Before I had my first kid, I had all my parenting philosophies figured out. I did my research. I read the books. I researched the articles. I believed I would learn from my parents’ mistakes and do better. I had friends who were parents already and I had things I liked and didn’t like. There were things I swore I’d never do as a mother.

Hahaha! Boy, did they change!

HERE ARE THINGS I NEVER THOUGHT I’D DO AS A MOTHER

LET MY CHILD WATCH TV BEFORE ONE-YEAR-OLD…AND NUMEROUS HOURS AFTERWARD.

Well, that happened. Ha! Sometimes, the TV is a babysitter, I’m sad to say. But, I love watching TV with my kids and interacting with them during the shows–we discuss it and practice comprehension.

LET MY CHILD CRY IT OUT.

We decided to use the Ferber Method for sleep training. Both our kids responded pretty well with it…especially after we bought a music machine. But, there were some nights we just had to let them cry. Now, disclaimer–some kids just don’t sleep well at night. Our son did wonderful, but our daughter is four years old and still wakes up and comes into our room a few times a week.

GIVE MY TODDLER CANDY AND SODA.

Halloween. Can you blame me? Cookies. A sip of sprite. Ice cream. Whatever we were having, we’ve given to to our kids–but the same goes for healthy, fulfilling meals and foods as well.

TAKE MY CHILDREN OUT IN PUBLIC IN PAJAMAS.

There have been days I haven’t felt well–I’ve barely gotten dressed. But, I decided to just let my kids wear pajamas. This only happens once in a blue moon though.

TAKE MY BABIES OUT IN PUBLIC WITHOUT SOCKS.

When my son was a baby, I put socks on him every single day when we’d go out. A very tiny part of it was being afraid of germs. Another tiny part was what other parents would think of me as a parent. But, mostly, I was always afraid he’d be cold. Even during the summer. However, I never put socks on our daughter as an infant or toddler–she was notorious for throwing them off. I can’t tell you how many socks I’ve found on the floor of my car.

NEVER CO SLEEP WITH AN INFANT.

I thought co-sleeping was dangerous.  Well, if they are having a hard time falling back asleep in the middle of the night, had a nightmare, are scared, are sick, or if we are traveling, then I’ll co-sleep with them. And, I love it. I love cuddling with my children and falling asleep to the sound of their breathing.

NAP WHEN A KID WAS AWAKE.

My pregnancy with my daughter was rough–I ended up being diagnosed with fibromyalgia afterward. So on hard days, we cuddle up on the bed, and I take a short, timed nap while they play the Nintendo Switch or iPad.

YELL AT MY KIDS.

I wish. We all do at some point in time. It’s human nature–but a terrible part of it. But, I think if we keep “no yelling” as our goal, we’ll do better than otherwise.

SHARE A MILLION PHOTOS OF MY KIDS ONLINE.

Sorry, not sorry. =)

What do you do as a mom that you said you’d never do? Share in the comments.