What kind of parent are you?

So, I’ve been thinking a lot about you and this bathing thing. Not you in the bath, although there’s a thought…. but rather, the whole hoo-ha about leaving the kids unattended. I always try to understand where the other person is coming from and so I’ve been thinking about how passionately some of you felt about this, and wondering what I feel passionately about. What is my parenting ‘thing’, like your bath thing? And then I started thinking some more about how similar we are in some ways, and yet how different in other ways. And then I thought about how interesting it would be to find out the things you are passionate about, and the things you are less stressed about. About what kind of parent you are, compared to what kind of parent I am. And then I thought that I think too much. But I ignored that last thought and went back to thinking about you. And me. As parents. And I thought I would do a little survey. A meme kind of thing. I’ll do me and you can copy / paste the questions and do you. Or I could do you in the bath. Actually, cancel that.

So, clearly I am not stressed about sitting in the bathroom the entire time while the kids are in the bath, but there are other things that are important to me. This is not meant as judgement on those who do things differently, but rather a reflection of who I am, and what is important to me and my family. Thank goodness we are different. Imagine how boring life would be if we were all the same.

Enough disclaimers and feather smoothing? Good. Let’s get on with it then.

I would never:
Leave my kids unattended with a dog, or any animal for that matter

I always:
Make sure my kids are properly restrained in a car sear or appropriate safety device when I drive

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Potty training – they trained themselves

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
Making sure they eat properly

The part I love most about parenting is:
Seeing the joy and enthusiasm with which they embrace life. That and the opportunity to love another human being so completely and utterly.

My terrible parenting secret is:
My kids eat terribly. Shockingly badly.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Too soft

My worst parenting habit:
Too much threatening, not enough action. Plus I yell

The one thing I am really proud of is:
I am a very gentle, empathetic mother

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Everything

I hope my kids inherit my:
Compassion for their fellow man

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
(over) Sensitivity

I love that my kids are:
So self-confident and outgoing

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Time alone

Motherhood is:
Both better and tougher than I ever thought possible 

So, if you have kids, tell me more about what kind of parent you are. If you aren’t yet a mother, tell me what kind of parent you hope to be. 

Comments

[Julie]

I would never:
I second the dogs. I also am hyper vigilant when we are outside of the house and not in a controlled environment.

I always:
(try to) limit the chemicals/unnatural "stuff" my son is exposed to

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Don't know, DS is only 11 months old

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
Having the baby be in a fussy mood and not know why (can't "fix" it quickly). Where's the manual??!

The part I love most about parenting is:
Watching my son learn anything. He just learned to walk this weekend and it was amazing to watch.

My terrible parenting secret is:
I have anger problems and I am really disappointed with myself because of it

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
None yet (11 months is too early for anything but saying no)

My worst parenting habit:
Yelling, getting tense and making the situation worse

The one thing I am really proud of is:
uhh.... I have parenting self-esteem issues!

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
n/a yet

I hope my kids inherit my:
determination

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
difficulty handling certain emotions

I love that my kids are:
inquisitive

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Being able to run a quick errand without first nursing, changing a diaper, packing a diaper bag, strapping in to the car seat, blah blah blah

Motherhood is:
amazing but it can also overwhelm me

[Heather]

I would never:
Take my son out in public when he's overly tired and then be mad at him for misbehaving.

I always:
Check on my son before I go to sleep

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Sleeping through the night - He loves to sleep

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
Good nutrition. I eat like a two year old... what the heck am I supposed to feed him?

The part I love most about parenting is:
Seeing his smile when I go to get him in the morning or when I get him from daycare.

My terrible parenting secret is:
I let him get dirty and put things in his mouth like dirt and leaves and grass. (But not bugs... I draw the line at bugs!!)

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Sometimes a little too harsh. After all he's still a baby.

My worst parenting habit:
Being too quick to get upset with him

The one thing I am really proud of is:
Getting on his level and playing with him. I have zero imagination so this is hard for me but I really try to make an effort.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
I guess we'll see when he get's older

I hope my kids inherit my:
Love of Music

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
Temper

I love that my kids are:
So Happy and content

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Being able to just pack up and go where I want

Motherhood is:
The best thing that has ever happened to my life.

[Stacey]

I would never:
Put my baby to sleep face down

I always:
tell my son I love him and kiss him whenever he will sit still long enough

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Feeding my son. He nursed like a champ, and loves all food that is not nailed down.

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
How endless it is. Even when you are on break, you are thinking about it. And the breaks are pretty damn infrequent!

The part I love most about parenting is:
How transforming it is. I get to find new amazement and wonder in the trees, leaves, bugs, dirt, blocks, etc.

My terrible parenting secret is:
I sometimes yell, even though the little guy is only 22 mos.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Consistent and (mostly) reasonable. We give a warning, and then enforce.

My worst parenting habit:
Using food to pacify and get extra time for my own projects.

The one thing I am really proud of is:
That he really loves books

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Running around other people's houses. He is "energetic."

I hope my kids inherit my:
Love for music.

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
The less is more approach - the less they inherit from me the better, especially my tendency to flip out over small things.

I love that my kids are:
Full of joy and enthusiasm about ordinary things.

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Sleeping in. And staying out late. And movies. And dining out at nice restaurants.

Motherhood is:

[Nicole]

I would never:
Keep my kids up past their bedtime in a public place.

I always:
Have my carseat professionally installed at a police station

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Sleeping--they both love to sleep

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
The discipline.

The part I love most about parenting is:
The hugs.

My terrible parenting secret is:
Sometimes I put them to bed without a bath.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Inconsistent

My worst parenting habit:
Too much threatening, not enough action. Hear, hear.

The one thing I am really proud of is:
My kids are really good eaters because I made them be good eaters!

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
tantrums... :(

I hope my kids inherit my:
Love of reading and knowledge

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
Depression and anxiety

I love that my kids are:
Loving

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Time alone--yes!!!!!

Motherhood is:
Something for which I was not prepared, but I would do again in a heartbeat.

[kristylynne]

I would never:
hit my child

I always:
Try to remember how much I cherish my child, even when he is being supremely needy or annoying

I got an easy ride when it came to:
breastfeeding and weaning – he weaned himself right before his first birthday

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
not getting enough sleep sometimes

The part I love most about parenting is:
watching my son discover the world. He is just so damn smart.

My terrible parenting secret is:
he eats one serving of veggies a day, I consider my work done.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
a work in progress

My worst parenting habit:
laziness – I have a hard time getting excited about playing choo choos for the hundredth time and would rather just sit on the couch and read a magazine or something.

The one thing I am really proud of is:
being the one person who my son goes to for comfort and love

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
not making my son clean up toys – I always run out of time and end up doing it myself

I hope my kids inherit my:
respect for other people and the earth

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
procrastination

I love that my kid is:
such a great linguist – at age 2 he’s speaking complete 8-word sentences, it’s like conversing with an adult. I think it cuts down on the temper tantrums, because he can clearly communicate.

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
sleeping in

Motherhood is:
the best thing that ever happened to me. Ever.

[Char]

Hi Tertia c",)
I just saw your "article" in Ideas Magazine!!! Awesome! That pic of you is amazing (and that shirt gives boobs a chance to shine too - which is of course, always a v good thing, esp after some surgical tweaking, etc.) Can't wait to get my surgical tweakings (prolly December). Anyhoo, just wanted to say I was sooper excited to find you in my fave mag. Go T go!

[MW]

I would never:
Let my kid out of my sight in public places, bathtubs or the backyard

I always:
Check on him after he goes to sleep.

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Sleeping through the night... mostly

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
Making my baby sad, mad or hurt even when it's for his good i.e. shots, putting him to bed, eating veggies...

The part I love most about parenting is:
The joy he fills my heart and home with.

My terrible parenting secret is:
When he wakes me up too early I turn on cartoons and fall alseep next to him on the couch, it wasn't so bad but now he knows how to open the back door!

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Consistent

My worst parenting habit:
Not letting him do what he wants enough like go play in the backyard or go to the park

The one thing I am really proud of is:
My consistancy in discipline, he knows I mean business, respects it and loves me still.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Letting him have junk food and candy

I hope my kids inherit my:
Faith in Christ and to live what you believe

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
Insecurities

I love that my kids are:
Outgoing and love unconditionally

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Getting to do what I want whenever I want

Motherhood is:
A blessing. It's helped me grown more than I could have imagined and has filled my life more than I thought possible.

[Lila]

I would never:
humiliate my children

I always:
make sure to tell them I love them every day - to each of them

I got an easy ride when it came to:
everything - I have amazing kids and can't complain

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
seeing them make mistakes I made myself, being unable to stop them

The part I love most about parenting is:
listening to them, watching them as they grow into people who have minds of their own, unique characteristics and potentials I don't have

My terrible parenting secret is:
that I'm often too tired to keep up with the 4th what I did with the big ones. Her big brothers and sister do some of the stuff I did with them...

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Erratic. *sigh*

My worst parenting habit:
Giving hugs to one of my sons who doesn't like it any more. But he used to LOVE it when he was litte! In short / babying them when they are truly no babies any more.

The one thing I am really proud of is:
my ability to listen to their stories and refrain from asking too many nosy questions.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
school stuff. I rely on their natural curiosity and am happy also their school doesn't believe in pressure.

I hope my kids inherit my:
loyalty

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
low self esteem

I love that my kids are:
friendly, open, honest, reliable

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Time to read

Motherhood is:
the greatest adventure of my life - and a surprise package. You get more than you give. And: motherhood is a reason to be thankful to fate and kind to other mothers.

[Alicia]

I would never:
Say Never. I used to have these preconceived notions of things I wouldn't do. I've done most of them.

I always:
Make my daughter say "Please" & "Thank you." She's 2.

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Sleeping. The girl loves her beauty sleep.

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
Being a SAHM. I feel isolated most days.

The part I love most about parenting is:
Watching this lovely, little human try new things, gain confidence, love openly and watch her wonderful capacity for happieness.

My terrible parenting secret is:
I haven't broken her from the bottle or the pacifier.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
I 'll get back to you in 15 years. I think that's the true test of just how well you've really done.

My worst parenting habit:
I get easily frustrated and I tend to yell.

The one thing I am really proud of is:
I'm 44 (yes, way older then you Tertia) and I've somehow (so far) managed to do this and keep my sanity.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Most things.

I hope my kids inherit my:
Sense of humor.

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
Temper.

I love that my kids are:
Easygoing and loving

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
My sex life.

Motherhood is:
A gift.

[Mar]

I would never:
Leave my son (15 mos) with someone I had any reservations about.

I always:
Tell him I love him

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Sleeping - great napper, great night sleeper (no idea if I'll be able replicate this with my next kid)

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
Always being on call, even when he's with a trusted, competent sitter/grandparent.

The part I love most about parenting is:
Feeling like he loves us as much as we love him.

My terrible parenting secret is:
how much faith I put in a multi-vitamin when it comes to his nutrition.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Consistent.

My worst parenting habit:
Not sure if this is a parenting habit, but since becoming one, i spend far more energy on how he looks each day than on my own appearance -- something I explicitly said I would NEVER do.

The one thing I am really proud of is:
How easy going and friendly my son is -- smiles for everyone and genuine pleasure whenever anyone smiles back.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
meals -- as long as I put a few colorful things on the plate, i feel I've done my job (even though he only eats fruit and bread.)

I hope my kids inherit my:
love of reading & success in school

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
shyness

I love that my kids are:
pleasant to be around, both at home, while visiting, and in public places.

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
TIME OFF and days without schedules.

Motherhood is:
Overwhelming and awesome in all senses.

[Anon]

I would never:
"Put down" my child or make fun of her

I always:
Follow the latest safety rules, like sleeping on their back, child seat installed by experts etc.

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Being a SAHM. My husband fully supports me in this even though we could use the extra money I would make

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
How guilty you can feel over things

The part I love most about parenting is:
Having my very own daughter to love and cherish. It is just as great as I hoped it would be

My terrible parenting secret is:
I let the others smoke marijuana around my child, even though neither me or my husband smoke

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Consistant- we use 1 2 3 Magic

My worst parenting habit:
Being lazy. It's an effort to motivate myself to make sure she gets enough outdoor exercise

The one thing I am really proud of is:
I'm a better parent then my mother was

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Buying her something when she wants it. I know she is spoiled

I hope my child inherits my:
Love of reading

I hope my child doesn’t inherit my:
Tendancy to obesity

I love that my kid is:
So smart and pretty

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Sleeping late

Motherhood is:
Nothing you can be prepared for. Even when you think you are- you're not

[Kristin]

I would never:
Give my child a regular diet of fast food or processed food. Encourage her to get interested in corporate characters like Disney Princesses, Elmo, etc. Let her watch excessive TV.

I always:
Read books with my daughter every day.

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Nursing/eating. My daughter latched on perfectly first time, and now at 2, she is a great eater who is willing to try new foods. (knocking on wood)

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
When my daughter refuses to nap, or wakes a lot in the night. Sleep deprivation sucks!
Oh, and also guilt.

The part I love most about parenting is:
Watching my daughter revel in every moment without thinking about what comes next. She is the ultimate yogi.

My terrible parenting secret is:
When she was an infant, I put her to sleep on her tummy--every night.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
I try to: Only use a loud, forceful NO when she's doing something dangerous. In other situations, explain what she cannot do and redirect her to something else. Be consistent and not make threats I won't keep. Can't say I always achieve this.

My worst parenting habit:
Letting her touch dirty things, and then not washing her hands before she eats. Being too lazy to give her a bath more than 3 times a week, even when she's filthy.

The one thing I am really proud of is:
That my daughter spends lots of time outdoors with us (camping, biking, boating) and has been on many trips and adventures--and always loves them.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Her running around in restaurants.

I hope my kids inherit my:
Desire for an authentic, meaningful life.

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
List-making obsession, constant thoughts about what I need to be doing next.

I love that my kids are:
Bold and adventuresome.

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Being able to just sit down and do nothing when I feel like it.

Motherhood is:
A key part of the human experience.
Pure, selfless love.

[21stCenturyMom]

As it turns out I have been the world's best mother - according to my kids. Who would have guessed? I suffered all of the anxiety, doubt, fear, sense of failure, self-loathing, criticism, maternal guilt and worry that all mothers suffer and still, my kids turned out great and they love me and they think I am wonderful.

Really - who could have guessed?

I hate this empty nest stuff but it is nice to be on the other side of the journey where you are sure you've destroyed your child's self esteem/creativity/intellectual curiosity/whatever. Bullet - dodged; outcome - fabulous.

[Jamie]

I would never:
Put my kids in a day care/preschool without a thorough investigation of the facility and the people who work in it.

I always:
Get adequate playtime and learning activities in with my kids each day.

I got an easy ride when it came to:
My twins sleeping through the night. They were both sleeping thru by 5 weeks (Caleb) and 7 weeks (Connor)

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
Dealing with the meltdowns.

The part I love most about parenting is:
Watching their faces light up when they learn something new or discover something they never saw before.

My terrible parenting secret is:
I use the TV as a babysitter all too often when I have chores to get done.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
A little extreme.

My worst parenting habit:
Yelling/impatience with the whining.

The one thing I am really proud of is:
My boys are really sweet and helpful.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
unhealthy snacking

I hope my kids inherit my:
Common sense (their father is lacking greatly in this area ;)

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
(over) Sensitivity. They actually already have, but I hope they grow out of it.

I love that my kids are:
So affectionate and enthusiastic.

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Time alone, doing exactly what I want to do, when I want to do it, without having to arrange a babysitter.

Motherhood is:
A life-changing and heart-warming experience.

[Dana]

I would never:
Let my kids go wandering where I couldn't see them (outside or in a large indoor area such as a shopping center)

I always:
Make sure my kids are as anal about safety such as seat belts, not standing on furniture, not going near unknown animals, etc as I am (and they are, even at 2 & 5)

I got an easy ride when it came to:
There is no completely easy ride - what was easy with one was not with the other

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
From tucking them in at night until it's time to get up in the morning - a night where NO ONE gets up out of bed is rare, rare, RARE!

The part I love most about parenting is:
Being able to show them all the fun things we can do together - and all the hugs, kisses and loves!

My terrible parenting secret is:
I don't know that it's a secret, but I tend to lose my temper and while talking to them like people rather than babies is fine most of the time, it isn't always best done when angry because they don't always understand.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Generally decent, I do lose my temper, but they know I always love them AND they know that they get three chances and then the pre-determined punishment is going to come.

My worst parenting habit:
Losing my temper

The one thing I am really proud of is:
How happy and loving my kids are because it shows that I'm doing something very right.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Giving second chances

I hope my kids inherit my:
Sense of fun in all things

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
Temper

I love that my kids are:
So loving, happy and SMART

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Sleeping all night, every night.

Motherhood is:
The only "job" I ever wanted to do, and better than I ever thought it would be.

[Emma]

I started filling this out as a hopefully-one-day-mother-to-be. And then I deleted it all. I have very strong feelings about *other people's* children and I know how I definitely don't want *my* children to be :-)

This means I'm still completely in the "Oh, I would NEVER slash ALWAYS do this or that" camp I guess. And I know that will all change once there are actual children around!

[Kate]

I would never:
Let my child wander freely around the store

I always:
Make sure my kids are properly restrained in a car sear or appropriate safety device when I drive

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Bedtime, hasn't been too difficult

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
Dealing with temper tantrums

The part I love most about parenting is:
I love seeing when something 'clicks' with my child, and they just get how its supposed to work.

My terrible parenting secret is:
I hated (I mean -hated-) the newborn period

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
I want to say firm, but that sounds harsh. We have rules, with punishments that fit the crime so to speak. He's old enough now, to be able to negotiate a bit.

My worst parenting habit:
I tend to get frusterated, and yell

The one thing I am really proud of is:
My son is a very well behaved child, and I get compliments for his manners.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
TV time

I hope my kids inherit my:
My honesty

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
Shyness

I love that my kids are:
willing to try something new

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
setting my own hours - now we have bedtime, scout time, hockey time, school time, etc.

Motherhood is:
Both better and tougher than I ever thought possible

[Missie]

I would never:
Let my children ride in a car with no carseat, or a bike with no helmet

I always:
Make sure my kids say please and thank you

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Sleeping through the night- by 8 weeks, all 3 of tghem were good sleepers

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
The incessant whining in the toddler stage

The part I love most about parenting is:
Snuggles and kisses for no reason whatsoever

My terrible parenting secret is:
My impatience- what exactly CAN a toddler understand?

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Too yelly

My worst parenting habit:
Again, the yelling. Been working at it though.

The one thing I am really proud of is:
How terrific my oldest is with her baby sisters- I must have taught her something right

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
TV watching- I used to be vigilant, but once 1 child blossomed to 3, that peace and quiet that came with tv was hard to turn away everyday.

I hope my kids inherit my:
Open-mindedness

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
smart-ass mouth

I love that my kids are:
confident and have a sense of humor. (My oldest daughter likes to tell her sisters that they'll be getting a big cup of nothing if they don't eat their dinner. It amuses me- but also see smart-ass mouth above...)

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Not having to worry about what was for dinner- or lunch and breakfast for that matter. Does anyone else have a child that always seems hungry? (And she's a peanut- where does it go??)

Motherhood is:
a gutwrenching job with no vacation, but something I wouldn't trade for the world

[Katie]

I would never:
Hit my children.

I always:
Tell my kids I love them.

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Bed time. My kids love their cribs.

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
Never getting any time alone.

The part I love most about parenting is:
The sweet, joyful faces of my children who have a deep love for my husband and me.

My terrible parenting secret is:
Videos. They watch probably 1-2 hours of videos a day.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Proactive. I know hard work now will pay off in the future. I'm definitely not doing it all right, but I've already seen results from it.

My worst parenting habit:
Computer time. Not getting my butt off the couch.

The one thing I am really proud of is:
All the work I've done to get treatment for our son with autism.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
FOOD! Son eats same thing every day.

I hope my kids inherit my:
Determination and/or love of music.

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
Temper.

I love that my kids are:
So nice to each other!

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Sleep, sleep, sleep. And doing anything I want, whenever I want.

Motherhood is:
A calling with huge rewards.

[sophie]

I would never:
Refuse to answer a hard question from my son.

I always:
Make sure my son is properly restrained in a car sear

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Potty training – it happened very fast and with very little fuss

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
The anxiety about him getting sick, being sick, an accident, etc. etc.

The part I love most about parenting is:
Laughing with him at something that is funny. Knowing how much he loves us. Knowing he is a really happy funny kid.

My terrible parenting secret is:
I have been known to say mean things about kids who are mean to him. This makes him laugh, but is totally inappropriate.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
too much negotiating

My worst parenting habit:
ditto on the yelling

The one thing I am really proud of is:
We worked through some really hard times but he is now an awesome sleeper. He'll have that gift for life.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Food. he can eat whatever he wants whenever he wants.

I hope my kids inherit my:
sense of humor. Compassion

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
Anxiety

I love that my kids are:
so funny and outgoing

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Nothing to worry about!

Motherhood is:
Amazing. A huge gift. So glad we got to experience it when it looked like for so long we weren't going to...

Tertia, you rock. thanks for making me think.

[laurazoo]

I'm taking the easy way out. That survey included way more insight then I have brain power for right now. So here is just a peek at my "ideas". (just for the record, I have 5 kids ages 13, 12, 8, 6, and 3)

The word FAT when used to refer to any living thing is a swear word. My kids can say shit, damn, and hell, but not fat. Cuz thats mean.

My kids are allowed to argue, and question my decisions, but I still have the final say.

My kids can jump on the bed, as long as they understand they can get hurt. They get to decide if it's worth the risk. I give them the info and they choose between right and wrong and maybe okay. If they choose wrong they face the consequances.

Those are just a few of my "off the wall" parenting "things". I get alot of crap from family and friends who don't agree, but so far (knock on wood) my kids are doing great, and they are all still alive. LOL

[heatherG]

I would never:
Let my son play at a house where I don't know the man well.

I always:
make sure he wears sunblock. I'm anal about sunburn.

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Food. loves fruit and veges.

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
Worrying and when he's sick. Counting breaths to see if asthma is getting worse.

The part I love most about parenting is:
getting to live vicariously, re-experiencing "firsts" when he does.

My terrible parenting secret is:
He sleeps in my bed (he's nearly 4)

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
depends on the time of the month ie inconsistant.

My worst parenting habit:
letting him eat dinner on his own while I do other things.

The one thing I am really proud of is:
His love of books, language, rhymes etc.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
sleeping in my bed.

I hope my kids inherit my:
Liberal, agnostic, non-racist, left wing views.

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
anxiety

I love that my kids are:
happy, healthy, adored.

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Guilt free work travel.

Motherhood is:
The most natural instinctive thing while at the same time complicated and fraught with doubts.

[Amy]

I would never:
Bottle feed (sorry, I know that won't be a popular answer. I understand and respect other mothers who make different choices, for whatever reason, but for me - daughter of a La Leche Leader/pioneering breastfeeder, failure was NOT an option, and I fought, hard, to make breastfeeding work)

I always:
Make sure that my kids car seats are properly installed, to the point of having multiple visits to the fire department, police station, and hospital to have them checked and re-checked (it goes without saying that I always buckle them in, too, as those properly-installed seats won't do them any good at all if they're not in them!)

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Labor - 3 hours and 45 minutes with #1, 1 hour and 9 minutes with #2

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
Not being able to spend more than 15 seconds at a time doing anything *I* want to do, while simultaneously having to spend a mind-numbingly huge amount of time doing what *they* want to do (like reading the same story 10,000 times in a sitting)

The part I love most about parenting is:
The pride I feel when I see my kids doing something well, or behaving well, or learning something new

My terrible parenting secret is:
I really don't bathe the baby very often. She's 7 months old, and she gets a bath maybe once every week or two, when I feel like it. Who has time?

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Sensible, although I have had moments when I've lost my temper that I'm really not proud of.

My worst parenting habit:
Giving in

The one thing I am really proud of is:
I chose a really good father for my kids

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Watching Charlie and Lola - the one TV show I let my 2 year old watch - so that I can get ready in the morning without having to entertain her, too

I hope my kids inherit my:
Sense of humor

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
Body shape

I love that my kids are:
MG - whip-smart and hilarious; C - sweet and easygoing

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Sleeping late

Motherhood is:
Very difficult because you don't know how you did until the kids are like 30 and it's too late to go back and fix your mistakes. I could really use a report card or even just a grade... Maybe a performance evaluation? Something to let me know that I am not totally screwing these wonderful, beautiful children that the universe has entrusted to me. Because sometimes I'm afraid that someone as broken as I am can't possibly raise healthy daughters, and that really scares me.

[Suzie-Q.]

I would never:
Leave my children unattended near dogs, water, moving vehicles, large crowds.

I always:
Make my children say please and thank you and tell them I love them every night at bedtime.

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Disposition. Both my twins are v. happy.

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
The never-ending loss of freedom.

The part I love most about parenting is:
When people tell me how awesome my kids are!

My terrible parenting secret is:
I yell and spank too much.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Extremely consistent.

My worst parenting habit:
Not brushing their teeth often enough.

The one thing I am really proud of is:
Raising really amazing twins as an only parent with very little help from anyone.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Eating cookies!

I hope my kids inherit my:
Compassion and brains.

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
Temper.

I love that my kids are:
Cute looking, smart, funny and loving.

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Sex.

Motherhood is:
Heaven and hell all at the same time.

[anon]

Amy...
I was all aboard with your quantifying that you did not judge mothers who bottle feed until you referred to it being a "failure" if you did not.
After that, you lost me.

[Emily]

I would never:
leave my kids alone with someone I don't know

I always:
make sure I hug and kiss my kids every day and tell them I love them many many times

I got an easy ride when it came to:
just plain good kids.. very easy babies and a toddler who listens extremely well

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
not getting any time alone

The part I love most about parenting is:
seeing those smiles when they see me.. there is nothing more pure and genuine than a baby's smile, you know they are truly happy to see you..

My terrible parenting secret is:
I let my son sleep with me whenever my husband is gone (which is Monday thru Friday every week).. he's 2 and just sleeps better in my bed..

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
fairly consistent--he knows what he can and can't get away with..

My worst parenting habit:
giving him whatever he wants for dinner... regardless of nutritional value

The one thing I am really proud of is:
I am very loving--my kids will never doubt they are loved and wanted

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
drinks before bedtime

I hope my kids inherit my:
book smarts

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
impatience

I love that my kids are:
So self-confident and outgoing (ditto)

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Time alone (ditto again)

Motherhood is:
way more than I expected (in bad and good ways alike)

[sharla]

I would never:
Leave my 2 year old alone in the room with my 2 month old

I always:
Tell my girls I love them

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Breastfeeding - no issues whatsoever

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
Poop

The part I love most about parenting is:
The way my daughter's fae lights up when she learns something new.

My terrible parenting secret is:
My 2 year old is addicted to McDonalds cheeseburgers

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Moderate

My worst parenting habit:
Too much threatening, not enough action.

The one thing I am really proud of is:
Besides the cheeseburgers my daughter eats very well and loves healthy food and water

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Tv

I hope my kids inherit my:
creativity

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
bad body image

I love that my kids are:
happy and smart

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Looking cute and time alone

Motherhood is:
wonderful and hard!

[suzanne]

I would never:
I liked the answer above. I would Never say never because, well, I have learned my lesson from that in the 5 years I have been a parent. But if I had to choose, I would say I would never be too confident with kids around open pools.

I always:
Try my very best to be the parent I want to be.

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Picking a good spouse and co-parent. He is an awesome daddy and partner.

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
Bedtime. I suck enforcing bed time.

The part I love most about parenting is:
Seeing them learn. It is such an awesome experience to see their little minds grow.

My terrible parenting secret is:
I am a yeller. And I have been known to swear AT my kids at times.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Not consistent. Too much yelling that falls on deaf ears.

My worst parenting habit:
I am fiercely defensive of my kids and my parenting.

The one thing I am really proud of is:
My kids are kind. And amazingly smart. And all around funny.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Bedtime, meal time. Punishing for smart ass behavior.

I hope my kids inherit my:
Sense of humor, strong sense of right and wrong.

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
Lack of self esteem.

I love that my kids are:
Brilliant. They really are.

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Reading. Vacationing. Time to myself.

Motherhood is:
So fucking much harder than I ever could have imagined.

So, if you have kids, tell me more about what kind of parent you are.
I am fun. And loving. And enthusiastic about being a mommy. I also try not to sweat the small stuff.

[Rachel]

I would never:
leave my kids with someone I didn't trust 100%

I always:
tell them how much I love them

I got an easy ride when it came to:
having a great mother-in-law that has helped me so so much

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
balancing it with other parts of life

The part I love most about parenting is:
how I feel it brings meaning to my existance, and perspective to so many other things. How deeply I feel love for the kids is unreal.

My terrible parenting secret is:
My son watches too much tv.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
consistant

My worst parenting habit:
not always listening with both ears.

The one thing I am really proud of is:
i have become a really effective multi-tasker!

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
tv

I hope my kids inherit my:
kindness

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
lack of self-esteem

I love that my kids are:
funny and love joking around

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
'me' time

Motherhood is:
the best thing that I could possibly imagine.

[vanessa]

I would never:
allow my kids to walk to the shop or park on their own,i may live in Australia where everyone else allows their kids to do it but my mind set is still South African.

I always:
enforce good manners.wether its please or thank you or simply pushing in your chair after dinner

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Whinging and temper tantrums.My kids have never thrown tantrums in the shop and never whinge.Theye are also very tough so dont wail when injured.

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
disciplining.I hate seeing their spirits crumble with harsh words.

The part I love most about parenting is:
Hearing my children laugh.I love that my children are so happy.Also the unconditional love they give you.

My terrible parenting secret is:
I lose my temper easily and often say things I regret later.Sometimes I tell them if they dont stop fighting I will walk out the front door.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
quite strict i prefer to shout then smack.

My worst parenting habit:Threatening without following through

The one thing I am really proud of is:
How independant my children are.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
bedtime I try to be strict but its more effort then worth

I hope my kids inherit my:
empathy

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
temper

I love that my kids are:
Well mannered and very very funny (sense of humor)

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Being able to watch a tv show uninterupted

Motherhood is:
The best thing that ever happened to me

So, if you have kids, tell me more about what kind of parent you are. If you aren’t yet a mother, tell me what kind of parent you hope to be.

I am strict but loving.I push my kids to be the best they can be without being overbaring.My life revolves around my children.

[Veronica]

I would never:
Leave my daughter somewhere I felt uncomfortable

I always:
Have a facewasher on hand to wash her face (I keep a wet washer in a ziplock bag in the nappy bag)

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Learning to breastfeed, we had no issues.

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
Cutting fingernails.

The part I love most about parenting is:
The smile I get first thing of a morning and after her nap.

My terrible parenting secret is:
I let her play with everything (everything that is safe)

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Too soft

My worst parenting habit:
Letting her snack all day (it's healthy stuff, but it makes it hard to get her to eat regular meals)

The one thing I am really proud of is:
I am always hugging her and telling her how much I love her.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Mess

I hope my kids inherit my:
Sense of humour

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
Health

I love that my kids are:
Happy and confident (it only took 12mths for her to let me not hold her)

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Time alone and hot meals

Motherhood is:
The best thing I have ever done.

[Amy]

Anon - I didn't say that *I* would've been a "failure" if I hadn't breastfed, I said that "failure was not an option." Failure as in lack of success, not failure as in being a failure as a person/mother/baby feeder, etc.

I also didn't intend to imply that anyone who didn't/couldn't breastfeed was a "failure." Again, I'm using it in the "opposite of success" sense, not the judgmental, bitchy sense.

I fought through dozens of consultations with various lactation consultants, doctors, midwives, La Leches, etc. I fought the doctors when she wasn't gaining weight, refusing to "just give her a bottle." I nursed her 20 out of every 24 hours for weeks. Everyone in town who had ever breastfed a baby felt me up, trying to evaluate the latch, the position, etc. I tried every pillow and position in creation. I took dozens of herbal supplements every day (brewers yeast and fenugreek - at one point I was taking 23 pills a day). I finally broke down and took Reglan, which caused a serious depression that has lasted for about 2 years, now (though another pregnancy, in fact). But it worked, and now I can't get her - at 26 months old - to STOP nursing!

When I say "failure was not an option" I mean that personally, I was going to do whatever it took to make my boobs work, and that I would not accept anything other than success. I understand fully that there are many, many factors that influence and inform a woman's decision on how to feed her child. Someone who didn't have the luxury of staying home, as I did, so that she could nurse 20 out of 24 hours, for example, couldn't have done what I did. Someone who couldn't have taken the pills that I took couldn't have done it, either. Someone who didn't have the full support of her husband and her former-La-Leche-Leader-Mom and half the breastfeeders (both current and former) in a tri-county area couldn't have done it. But *I* did it, and *I* wouldn't have accepted anything else from myself.

Your mileage may vary.

[Kerryn]

I would never:
Put anyone ahead of my child, emotionally or otherwise

I always:
Tell her I love her before she goes to sleep

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Talking, she was speaking fluently and resiting nursery rhymes at 18 months.

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
That I get zero time for anything

The part I love most about parenting is:
Everyting else. I love hugs and kisses. I love have conversations and all her questions.

My terrible parenting secret is:
I let her drink a bottle until she was 5.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Inconsistent

My worst parenting habit:
Lack of patience

The one thing I am really proud of is:
Our awesome relationship.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Buying stuff

I hope my kid inherits my:
Empathy and Compassion

I hope my kid doesn't inherit my:
Impatience

I love that my kid is:
So intellegent and un afraid of speaking her mind. That she reads me a bedtime story every night!

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Time alone

Motherhood is:
The best damn thing ever to happen to me

[cath]

I would never:
want my child to think she is not good enough

I always:
make sure i tell cameron i love her every day

I got an easy ride when it came to:
the baby days

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
Making sure they eat properly (ditto tertiaI would never:
Leave my kids unattended with a dog, or any animal for that matter

I always:
Make sure my kids are properly restrained in a car sear or appropriate safety device when I drive

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Potty training – they trained themselves

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
Making sure they eat properly (ditto T!)

The part I love most about parenting is:
the mommy fan club and the loves.

My terrible parenting secret is:
cameron's eating habits are prob not scoring high on the charts

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
not enough

My worst parenting habit:
i shout

The one thing I am really proud of is:
that every choice i make has cam in the centre of it

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
yep, everything

I hope my kids inherit my:
love for words and animals\

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
temper

I love that my kids are:
so self-confident

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
quiet, sleep, time to do whatever random thing comes my way

Motherhood is:
the best thing ever, and the scariest thing of ever

[Natt]

I would never:
Ditto the dog thing. Hubby wants a dog and I keep putting it off - scares the crap out of me that something could happen with even the friendliest dog. managed to get an 18 month extension, but then I think I have to give in.

I always:
You know what - ditto on the car restraint thing too. I hate seeing kids not strapped in, or in the wrong restraint. I always wear my belt and always ensure they are in the best seat for their age and fully strapped in. i have been known to stop the car mid journey if hubby hasnt fixed the belt tight enough. I also wont carry anyone else's child without a restraint - or let any adult be in my car without wearing a belt. Anal, but hey.

I got an easy ride when it came to:
giving up dummies and bottles. Bottles went at 10 months, dummies at 12. Not a single argument, and I would say I am proud - but Georgie did it all himself!

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
Having to stay calm and deal with tantrums

The part I love most about parenting is:
The love. The kisses. The cuddles. The watching my beautiful son sleep at night - I could stay there for hours. Watching this little human develop into a character we've made - and seeing his little characteristics come out in their own.

My terrible parenting secret is:
I yell too much, and I have lost my temper and smacked him. But I'm working on it.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Too harsh - he has started playing up to get the attention whether its bad attention or good. But the last 3 days we've worked really hard on ignoring the bad and its working, we have a happier child (though i'm exhausted)

My worst parenting habit:
Yelling, losing my temper

The one thing I am really proud of is:
My son is such an individual and such a strong character - he is so confident and makes friends so easily and charms everyone. He seems content and happy and I did that.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Letting him play with thing he shouldnt - my makeup, my handbag, the washing machine, the kitchen utensils

I hope my kids inherit my:
confidence and love for others

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
short temper and hidden insecurites

I love that my kids are:
So self-confident and outgoing, and beautiful

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Being able to go out at the drop of a hat - no nappy bag to pack, no toddler to feed. I miss shopping without a screaming child in tow!

Motherhood is:
The best thing I have done. I have learnt so much - its so demanding and hard work, but it pays in ways I could never imagine. the love I feel and the pride is unbelivable.

[miracles]

I would Never:
let my children ride in a car without the proper restraints.

I always:
take every ounce of prevention to protect my children from harm

I got an easy ride when it came to:
never had an easy route to anything

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
having NO time for myself

The part I love most about parenting is:
watching them grow and change everyday, they are such a joy

My terrible parenting secret is:
I let them watch a good deal of TV

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
firm with consistent patterns

My worst parenting habit:
not enough emphasis on proper meals

The one thing I am really proud of is:
that my children are thoughtful and sweet

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
television

I hope my kids inherit my:
joy for life, seeing the good in people

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
infertility

I love that my kids are:
so innocent

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
being able to have the freedom to do what I want, when I want to. Parenting can feel suffocating at times.

Motherhood is:
what defines me now, and I would not trade one second of it.

[Chickenpig]

I never leave my children unattended...in the bath, on the playground, in the living room. This is a weakness picked up from working in daycare. Toddlers aren't supposed to be out of your direct line of sight and within easy reach.

I wish I spent more time talking and playing one on one with my twins. My quiet one is lagging more behind as his brother talks louder and louder.

I don't get the worry other toddler moms have about food. Put a variety of healthy, toddler friendly food in front of them, and let them have at it. They eat when they're hungry, and playing teaches them all kind of stuff.

I don't care about cleanliness. I'm not worried about germs. This would probably freak out other moms.

I don't have the patience I wish I had. Sometimes I emotionally distance myself from my twins, and think of them as somebody else's, so that I can deal with them. When I'm angry I put them in their cribs and walk away, something I could never do at work.

I feel guilty all the time because I feel I did more activities, talked more, and disciplined other people's children better than my own.

[Chickenpig]

PS I was a mom before my pre-mom days :) I miss having an aid in the "class room" and being able to have weekends off. I miss being able to have coffee breaks, and taking a crap in peace.

[Amy]

T- I'm always a lurker and rarely a poster but wanted to share for this post. It is important for women to see they are not alone in the difficulty that is parenting. And geez-oh-pete, some people just need to lighten up and click into your sense of humor already. So here we go...

I would never:
At this point leave my children unattended period. They must always be where a grown-up can see them (they are 4 and 15 months)

I always:
Make sure my children are as safe as they can be. Which makes me a hovering parent but I just can't help it.

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Sleeping...they are both great sleepers thank god!

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
Having to put them first always...even when I have to pee really bad.

The part I love most about parenting is:
The little surprises...like when my 4 yr old asks for something by saying please on the first try. And the hugs that come out of nowhere...even after you've just yelled at them.

My terrible parenting secret is:
I yell a lot more than I wish I would.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Way too firm...I often forget they are children and have an expectation that they always behave more than properly.

My worst parenting habit:
Yelling...by far...

The one thing I am really proud of is:
My fierce defense and protection of them.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Eating habits...really horrible on that front.

I hope my kids inherit my:
Empathy

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
Quick yelling reaction

I love that my kids are:
They are so completely opposite. I love that my daughter is cautious and curious. I love that my son is silly.

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
My time alone to recharge.

Motherhood is:
The hardest thing ever created yet the most rewarding job I've ever held.

[Megan]

I would never:
Let my kids be with someone I hadn't thoroughly vetted. And given a background check to. And interviewed the parents of... and... and...

I always:
seat-belt, count the number of heads before I leave anywhere (habit! They're much older now and I STILL do it).

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Potty training - me too, also learning to read.

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
Playing the heavy, and when they were young, dealing with vomit, diarrhoea... ick.

The part I love most about parenting is:
Having children who are fun and interesting and intelligent and whom I honestly truly like as people as well as love dearly as offspring. It's fantastic.

My terrible parenting secret is:
I over coach. Child 1 said to me one day in wonder, "gee, this is the first school project I ever did myself!" Head bang. I'm getting better but I still find it hard not to over-control!

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Mid range. Thanks to my late husband I think we got this one pretty well right - or as right as you ever can!

My worst parenting habit:
Avoiding conflict. I say that because it's front of mind - one Child just had a pretty bad moment at school (homework-wise, I would NEVER let a physical or other social problem go) because I let it tell me everything was okay for far too long.

The one thing I am really proud of is:
I have confident happy older children. Hopefully this means I did something right some of the time.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
eh... it varies depending on my energy level on the day. At the moment it's the truly indescribable nature of their rooms. Ugh.

I hope my kids inherit my:
Golly - I don't know! I think they've gotten my excitement about various things, but mostly I want 'em to be their own people.

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
Horrible habit of procrastination (combined with recrimination. Good times.)

I love that my kids are:
Unique - three kids who are totally themselves.

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Man... long way away, but I'm sending the first one off to university next year so it's more that I'll miss my mom days soon! Augh, when did that happen?

Motherhood is:
A job I never appreciated in myself but constantly admire others for.

[Em]

I would never:
Leave my kids with anyone but their grandmothers or aunts (I can say never because I've always had them - don't know if I would be able to say that if they weren't available)

I always:
Say a prayer of gratitude and kiss them after they've gone to bed and before I go.

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Sleeping. I had one tough one first but the other two have been angelic sleepers!

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
The repetition. I really really hate re doing things I did because the kids UN did them (refolding laundry, picking up a room I just cleaned, answering the same question over and over)

The part I love most about parenting is:
Watching them become little people. Watching them interact with each other and figure out the world. Seeing them recognize that home is a safe and happy place when the world isn't.

My terrible parenting secret is:
I occassionally don't buckle the big kids when I go to my moms (she lives 5 houses away. I only drive there when we will be coming home after dark but we are driving on the road and they should be buckled.). I also swear WAY too much in front of the kids.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
White knuckling. Learning as much as I can, being as patient as I can without being too indulgent. Flying by the seat of my pants and hoping for the best. Really REALLY trying and hoping I am doing right by them.

My worst parenting habit:
Projecting my fears onto my kids. Just because I am afraid of something doesn't mean they need to be (of course, I mean things like social situations, not actual danger).

The one thing I am really proud of is:
I know my kids know that they are loved. They know that no one comes before them to us. They are good to each other and know what is important.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Chores. The only thing I hate more than doing them myself is making them do it and when I do clean, I want it done. I don't want any help, I just want to get it done.

I hope my kids inherit my:
Respect for other people. Stubborness.

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
Most everything else.

I love that my kids are:
Social and confident. I also love that they are friends with each other.

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Being selfish (not to say that non moms are selfish but they can be if they want to be)

Motherhood is:
all consuming. Usually in a good way ;-)

[AmberLB]

I would never:
let my kids ride without a car/booster seat or let them out of the house without clothing appropriate to the weather

I always:
Tell my kids I love them and what I specifically appreciate about them every day.

I got an easy ride when it came to:
My children being kind and willing to share with other children.

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
The constant feelings of inadequacy and guilt about trying to balance parenting, work, and life; second-guessing whether I did the right thing in a specific parenting situation.

The part I love most about parenting is:
Watching my children grown and develop, seeing their daily little steps forwards, seeing them blossom as amazing human beings.

My terrible parenting secret is:
I think it's okay if my kids have McDonald's once a week. I also don't make them go to sleep before 9:30 p.m.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Strict, but my kids know what I expect of them and myself. I try not to be erratic in that respect.

My worst parenting habit:
Yelling, too many second and third chances; always wanting my kids to have what their parents did not and probably spoiling them at times as a result.

The one thing I am really proud of is:
My children are incredibly kind, generous, polite, and respectful to other people, and are always complimented on their behavior by their teachers.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Giving second, third, and sometimes even fourth chances.

I hope my kids inherit my:
Work ethic, communication skills, and love of family.

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
Body issues and poor health.

I love that my kids are:
Aware of themselves and confident of their place in this world.

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Perfectly orderly and clean home at all times.

Motherhood is:
The most rewarding and challenging thing I've ever faced. I know being a mother is what has made me the person I am today. I didn't fully understand my purpose in this world until I had my children.

[Jess]

Tertia-
I've just recently come across your blog, so this is the first time I've left a comment. Yours is one of the few blogs I visit daily, and I just have to tell you....it seriously rocks. You do, too.

I would never:
Let my kids ride in a vehicle withouth the proper restraints.

I always:
Make sure my kids know how much I love them and how proud I am to be their mom.

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Sleeping.

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
Potty training. I'm so envious of those of you who had kids who trained themselves. I'm in the midst of potty training hell right now.

The part I love most about parenting is:
I'm not sure I can put it into words. Just the amount of overwhelming love I have for them. After thinking I would not be able to have kids, how damn lucky I am to be blessed with two healthy kids.

My terrible parenting secret is:
I sometimes lose my temper with my oldest daughter, who is 7. And then she cries and says I am mean, and it kills me.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Pretty firm.But fair.

My worst parenting habit:
As mentioned before, I lose my temper from time to time, and yell. I'm not a yeller, so I hate it when I get to that point.

The one thing I am really proud of is:
I am a very loving and empathetic mom.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Watching television. I work from home, and I admit that my 2 year old daughter ends up watching more tv than I would like due to having to get work done.

I hope my kids inherit my:
Sensitivity and compassion.

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
Being over-sensitive and over-emotional. Although, my 7 year old daughter is already showing the signs - she is my tender heart.

I love that my kids are:
Self confident, independent and affectionate.

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Sleeping in.

Motherhood is:
What I was put on this earth to do. My girls are the absolute light of my life, and I am just so lucky to be their mom.

[Julie]

Ok, all - I have to base this on my 11 year old step-daughter that I've been helping to raise since she was 4. Still working (and working...and working) on having one w/ the hubby.

I would never:
let my step-daughter go to a house where I don't know the parents.

I always:
tell my step-daughter that I love her. Every. Day.

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Potty Training. Done when I entered the picture!

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
Being the bad guy. Step-parents (in my experience) are ALWAYS the bad guy. But we get past it.

The part I love most about parenting is:
When she hugs me for no reason what-so-ever. It completely fills my heart.

My terrible parenting secret is:
I am not active enough - we need to get outside to play more.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Relatively strict, but I also like to see her personality develop, so I try to not "muffle" that when she is acting out in communicative ways.

My worst parenting habit:
Spoiling her a bit. Her bio mom passed away a little over a year ago - not the best situation in the first place, so to see her blossoming into this lovely young girl is fantastic. It's so hard to not reward that with the "stuff" she didn't get before...but we are doing ok with that.

The one thing I am really proud of is:
My ability to stand up for her as though she were my bio child. Step-parenting is HARD...it takes time to form a bond with the child/ren and so I am very proud that we have been able to become so close.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Getting her to bed at night.

I hope my kids inherit my:
Family devotion, desire to help others and make the world better - even if in our own little town.

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
Bad eating habits and weight problems.

I love that my kids are:
Starting to get her own personality. She was the "fixer" when her mom was alive - always felt she had to be the one in the middle. As much as we tried to prevent that, her mom didn't. Now she laughs and giggles and it's so fantastic to hear. I never knew that a step-child could make my heart melt so quickly and make me so proud as well.

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
"Downtime" to read or watch t.v. without interruption.

Motherhood is:
one of the best learning experiences ever. Being K's step-mom has taught me so much and I'm pretty sure that it can only get better when we can finally add to the family.

[Camille]

I would never:
Leave my kids unattended in a vehicle.

I always:
Make sure my kids are in a car seat or are buckled in the car.

I got an easy ride when it came to:
My first 2 kids. The third is making me pay for it.

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
Playing or feeling like I should play

The part I love most about parenting is:
Watching them learn and contributing to that

My terrible parenting secret is:
My youngest has too much sugar.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Balanced

My worst parenting habit:
I am impatient and cranky too often

The one thing I am really proud of is:
I am reliable and my kids can count on me

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
My children's dislike of chores

I hope my kids inherit my:
Beliefs of equality and tolerance

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
Fear of doing new things for fear of failing

I love that my kids are:
Well-adjusted and happy

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Time alone!!!

Motherhood is:
Brutal, Exhausting, and Magical

[Natt]

Just butting in the comments section with a question - the girls who said they never leave their toddlers out of eyesight, do you mean ever? Are you always in the same room as them or do you leave them in front room whilst you are in the kitchen etc? My son is 14 months and I often leave him playing in the lounge or conservatory whilst cooking in the kitchen (internal doors all open) or downstairs whilst putting washing away. I would never leave him in the back garden/strange environment though. Are you always with them? (no criticism intended, just genuinely interested)

[Mia]

I would never:
Scold/discipline him out loud in front of others but rather take him to the side.

I always:
Greet my son very enthusiastically (I work) and I tuck him in bed and tell him what a good boy he is.

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Temperment. My son is whiny but generally happy.

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
Worrying when he gets sick.

The part I love most about parenting is:
Just snuggling and hanging out with my son.

My terrible parenting secret is:
Too much t.v.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
I give in too often. I'm working on that.

My worst parenting habit:

The one thing I am really proud of is:
I'm intuitive to his needs.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Eating.

I hope my kids inherit my:
Over-Sensitivity.

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
Over-Sensitivity

I love that my kids are:
Happy to see me.

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Going out to eat - doing things on a whim.

Motherhood is:
Not what I thought. I didn't realize how strong my emotions would be. However, I am enjoying watching him experience new things.

[sjo]

I would never:
Hard to say, I hate the word "never" since it backfires on me allot. However, to date I have never left him unattended near water or stairs.

I always:
Am prepared with meals that attempt balanced nutrition.

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Labor - since my son is adopted I got to skip the whole labor thing. 7 IVFs kinda sucked though.

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
The discipline. (copied from others... a no-brainer)

The part I love most about parenting is:
The hugs. (also copied from others... also a no-brainer)

My terrible parenting secret is:
I let him fall off of the changing table once because I was busy at the dresser and wasn't watching/holding.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Frustrated and selfish.

My worst parenting habit:
Losing my cool out of tiredness.

The one thing I am really proud of is:
My approach to parenting is mine alone from research and intellectual decision making, not based on how my parents or others have parented in the past.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Everything. But tantrums have been mentioned and those are top of the list.

I hope my kids inherit my:
Ability to see the best in everyone.

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
Coordination (as in clumsiness.... I'm bruised all the time). Also, my temper.

I love that my kids are:
Sweet and kind (and I’m embarrassed to say that my son is athletic and I love that too.)

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Time alone for sure – another no-brainer.

Motherhood is:
both exactly and not even close to what I expected. I was prepared for the logistics, but not for the <>!! blissfully indescribable emotions.

[Bee]

I would never:
Be a single mom to more than 1 kid

I always:
Try not to think to far into the future for fear of going totally insane at the thought of for e.g. the teenage years!

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Vegetables - she LOVES them - yay!

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
Getting up early EVERY BLOODY DAY!

The part I love most about parenting is:
Watching my daughter evolve into a beautiful, intelligent and witty little person

My terrible parenting secret is:
I buy her a small treat pretty much every day - yes every day - can you spell SPOILED. Oh and I shout too much.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Pushover

My worst parenting habit:
Ditto on the threatening and little or no follow through

The one thing I am really proud of is:
That I gave birth in one hour with no drugs - yay me

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Ja pretty much everything

I hope my kids inherit my:
Intuition, creativity

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
Sometimes low self esteem

I love that my kids are:
So bright, intelligent and witty

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
ME TIME - JA!

Motherhood is:
The paradox between letting go and holding on... and getting that balance right

[Diane]

I am loving these comments! I find it so interesting to see how many of the "i would never' I have now done! And my kids are 9 and 12 and healthy and happy. Just goes to show you that you should never say never!

Examples:

my son did not sleep on his back- he screamed. After several weeks of virtually no sleep, I put him on his stomach with great trepidation even thought i knew he slept lying tummy to tummy with me and loved it, and he had the best nap he'd ever had. And I know I slept on my tummy and lived, so I started to put him to sleep on his tummy. Yes, I know about SIDS and the risks, but I also know he needed sleep.

We attended a wedding when my son was 5 on a small, rural island (primarly used for summer cottaging). There is one road on the island. There were cars and trucks on the island, but only those that had been brought over by barge. These were OLD trucks, people, with no safety belts. I had the choice of walking several miles in the rain to the cottage where we were staying, or getting in the truck with son and hubby with no safety restraints. We got in. We were fine.

Ok-flame away!

[Lisa S.]

I would never:
Let my kids out of my sight in a public place (including playground)

I always:
Make sure my kids are properly restrained in a car sear or appropriate safety device when I drive (AMEN)

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Eating - mine is a very good eater

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
The baby stage. I detested it! The sleep - the bottles / diapers / etc... ugh!!

The part I love most about parenting is:
The joy in seeing him grow and develop, independent thoughts; seeing the change in myself as my interests have grown to include things that never seemed interesting before.

My terrible parenting secret is:
Sometimes I don't know what to do to keep him amused. I can't imagine an entire day at home - we are always out the door headed somewhere, ANYWHERE by 9 AM.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Too soft

My worst parenting habit:
Giving in to easily, laughing when he's being naughty

The one thing I am really proud of is:
I am very patient and loving; he will grow up knowing he is treasured

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Everything

I hope my kids inherit my:
Oh man. This is hard. Ability to do well on tests without studying...?

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
tendency towards selfishness

I love that my kids are:
Soooo cute and loving, self assured

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Time to do whatever I want (sleeping in especially!)

Motherhood is:
Way harder than I every imagined - and much more rewarding.

[Cheryl]

I would never:

EVER slap my child in the face. A lesson I learned from my mother. You do not take away a child's dignity by slapping their face - a most disrespectful act.

I always:
Give him a bath and put him in clean jammies every night. Washing away the dirt of the day and going to bed clean in clean sheets is mandatory in our house.

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Potty training - it just kind of happened

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
The loss of myself - balancing work, home, child and having nothing left for me. I hate the rushing to get through the routine of every day to just start over again in the morning.

The part I love most about parenting is:
The chance to see everything about the world through fresh eyes. I love the discovery and the new way of looking at things through my son's experience. We have two cockatiels and one day he found a feather on the floor and declared that he "found a piece of the bird". Which, is what it actually is!

My terrible parenting secret is:
I hate playing on the floor. I'm lazy at playing. I don't want to play pirate ship and castle every night of my life. And I feel guilty about not wanting to do it. I also suck at the meal thing, but I'm trying to get better at it.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Negotiation and failure - giving in.

My worst parenting habit:
Yelling and threatening and then giving up completely. Oh, and sometimes I cry when I get really frustrated.

The one thing I am really proud of is:
My child is very smart and inquisitive. I love to have conversations with him.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Television - Spongebob will be the death of us all. He wants to watch it constantly. Thank you TIVO and DVD in the van.

I hope my kids inherit my:
Interest in the world and travel

I hope my son doesn't inherit my:
weight problem and issues with food and my struggle with depression and anxiety.

I love that my son is:
so in love with his grandparents - especially his grandmother. He is "Gramma's Honey" and loves to spend time with her.

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
The freedom to do whatever I want with no restrictions. I always feel that I must hurry home and make sure I'm not taking advantage of whomever is with my son if I am out with friends, etc. I count the hours I've spent with my son and compare it to the amount of time my husand has logged. I really hate that about myself.

Motherhood is:

The hardest thing I have ever had to do. I struggle every day with the guilt I feel about not being the best mother and plan to do better but never seem to get it right. I do not feel that I was cut out to be someone's mother. I love my child and cannot imagine my life without him but I have such fear that I am messing him up with my inability to give everything to him. I still want "me time" and independence and the chance to sit down and read a book. I end up resenting my husband because of the demands of motherhood. Our marriage is practically over. Parenting is hard, grueling, exhausting work.

[kate]

I would never: hmmmm, have done most of the things I said I’d never do: lots of TV and DVDs, hot chips, snack traps to get round the shops, etc. But I try to never smack my kids; use threatening stories (“if you run away from mummy at the shops, a bad man will take you away and you’ll never see mummy again”); punish potty training accidents; get cross about tantrums that result from tiredness / hunger etc.

I always: have the kids properly restrained in the car; read to them every day; tuck them into bed calmly and quietly.

I got an easy ride when it came to: my toddler’s general compliance with things like bedtimes, bathtime, going in the car etc.

The part I dislike most about parenting is: lack of time alone; dealing with toddler behaviours there doesn’t seem to be any way to fix (the PUSHING); the horrendous realisation that she loves things I would have liked to avoid (Disney princesses), and not only that but I find myself wanting to get the stuff for her. What the?!@

The part I love most about parenting is: the reward of watching them learn stuff- I never realised before how brilliant it is as a parent when they learn to roll / crawl / walk / talk / count etc. Being made to spend
more time outdoors and being active

My terrible parenting secret is: My two and a half year old still has her bottles and dummies

I would describe my approach to discipline as: redirect and distract (a la Dr Spock)

My worst parenting habit: relying on the television; being disorganised about the 2 year old’s dinner and serving fish fingers or sausages

The one thing I am really proud of is: she seems to have absorbed the reading and talking we tried to do from Day 1, and loves books and numbers

I probably am too lenient when it comes to: running round in public (I worry that I’ve become one of those mums who smiles indulgently and thinks her kid is being cute when everyone else is being overwhelmed by the brattishness), making her clean up her toys either at home or out- it’s so much easier if I do it myself

I hope my kids inherit my: love of reading

I hope my kids don’t inherit my: love of junk food, sensitivity

I love that my kids are: outgoing

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is: leisurely shopping, reading in bed

Motherhood is: exhausting, rewarding, frustrating

[Irndly]

I would never:
Everytime I say I would never, I seem to do whatever it was. But I guess if pressed, I would never *again* leave my kids alone with a shitty caregiver.

I always:
Make sure to tell my kids I love them. Every day. No matter how much I've gone off the deep end.

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Discipline. 3 year old was pretty easy, hard to say with the 4 month old.

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
Taking them in and out of cars, and then in and out of strollers. Hate it.

The part I love most about parenting is:
The fact that I am suddenly awestruck by things I long since ceased to care about - the wind, leaves changing colours, snow, etc..

My terrible parenting secret is:
I honestly believe everyone else was born knowing what to do and how to parent, and I am some idiot who is just winging it.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Sometimes a little too tough.

My worst parenting habit:
Too much silence. I am a quiet person by nature, and sometimes forget how much verbal stimulation my kids need. I have to really push myself to keep talking.

The one thing I am really proud of is:
That I understand they are different from me, and I don't expect them to conform to who I am

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Not sure, everyone else seems to think I am a tight ass about what I do and don't allow.

I hope my kids inherit my:
Empathy for those around me, and my wish to be less judgemental

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
panic disorder and obsessive compulsive behaviours

I love that my kids are:
free spirited and light hearted

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Time alone. Gobs of it. A weekend to drink coffee, smoke cigarettes, drink wine, read 3 newspapers and lots of magazines. Shopping. Real shopping that takes hours and you can preen in the mirror and judge the size of your ass in that pair of pants.

Motherhood is:
That which mellowed me out, made me more compassionate, humbled me, and melts my heart on a daily basis.

[Shay]

I'm an avid reader of your blog but never posted. Just reading these comments i'm amazed at how many mums don't bath their children every day! There is nothing more horrid that climbing into bed feeling dirty and sweaty and yuck. And when kid's are little they don't know how to communicate this feeling. If time is an issue, put the child in the bath with you!

[Shayne]

I would never:
Drive anywhere without strapping them in. Ever.

I always:
Check on them before I go to bed – and cover them back up again.

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Sleeping through the night – first one from 6 weeks, next from 3 months

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
The schlep of having to pack and re-pack the darn nappy bag every time you go anywhere!

The part I love most about parenting is:
How my girls amaze me daily

My terrible parenting secret is:
I don’t worry what they eat over weekends

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Pretty fair

My worst parenting habit:
I have very little patience and can shout too much

The one thing I am really proud of is:
That their vocab is really great for their respective ages and that they love reading

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Let my 2 year old get away with murder sometimes coz it’s just easier than fighting

I hope my kids inherit my:
Outgoing personality and loving nature

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
Lack of patience

I love that my kids are:
Strong willed and determined

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Time off. Time alone. To just be or sit reading. In quiet without someone saying Mummy a hundred times, even after you’ve replied a hundred times.

Motherhood is:
Is a journey that takes me to places yet undiscovered.

[Bevc]

My answers will probably be a little difference since my children are 16 and 12.

I would never:
let them sleep in my bed when they were babies – they had their own cribs/beds

I always:
Check on them before I go to sleep – give them a kiss and whisper, “love ya” in their ears.

I got an easy ride when it came to:
sleeping through the night…. Both did that at 6 weeks. Sjoe! Bruce & I both love our sleep!

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
the discipline. I know that it is necessary but sometimes I feel that all I do is nag and moan. Contrary to popular belief, I hate being the “task master”

The part I love most about parenting is:
being a witness to their lives… loving them with an intensity that is sometimes frightening

My terrible parenting secret is:
I had caesareans with both children (one emergency and one induced); I also didn’t breast feed (due to breast reduction at age 15 for medical reasons). SHOCK AND HORROR! My children still love me and I them…. They don’t appear to be “damaged” and so there are no hard feelings….

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
matter of fact (sometimes army style, oooppss)

My worst parenting habit:
Being too strict, fear of saying, “yes” and “letting go” so that they can experience the things in life that they need to…. I want to protect them all the time which I guess is normal, but damn! It’s hard!

The one thing I am really proud of is:
that my children are well adjusted, caring, loving and respectful

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Mmmmm…… dress code (although they are both quite conservative)

I hope my kids inherit my:
Enquiring mind, ccompassion and friendliness

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
Sensitivity & quick temper

I love that my kids are:
Mine. Confident, outgoing & polite

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
There were pre-mom days? Really? I was a young Mom at 20… Mmmm, time alone with my hubby (but that is slowly returning now).

Motherhood is:
the hardest, most demanding job of all (but the rewards are amazing!)

[Anon]

One issue in all of the above posts grabbed my attention:
"I let the others smoke marijuana around my child, even though neither me or my husband smoke"

?????? Im not one to judge, but please don't put your child in harms way. Same goes for parents who drive without putting their kids in car/booster seats.

Just a thought...

[Andrea]

Do you really read all these? Even us latecomers?

I would never:
Let my kids be in or near water alone.

I always:
Require that we eat dinner as a family .

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Sleeping. Both my kids have just about always slept through the night without a peep.

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
Dealing with whining. Makes me beyond insance, makes me psychotic.

The part I love most about parenting is:
Listening to them learn to talk. I LOVE LOVE that part; all their little words are so cute and it's amazing to see them grasp concepts.

My terrible parenting secret is:
I surf the internet too much. I would rather do that than sit on the floor and play dolls or cars.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Too inconsistent, and I make up for it by yelling (me = not smart there)

My worst parenting habit:
Inconsistency.

The one thing I am really proud of is:
My kids are great eaters (eat anything and eat lots but aren't at an unhealthy weight).

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Talkback.

I hope my kids inherit my:
Strong conscience.

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
Inferiority complex.

I love that my kids are:
Compassionate.

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Being tired then going to bed, instead of being tired then cleaning up dinner then bathing one child and putting her to bed then prodding the other child to finish his shower, toothbrushing, making of lunch, prod prod prod, then nighttime routine for him and THEN hubby gives me that look so I do my duty which makes me awake for 45 more minutes, then collapsing asleep about 2.5 hours after I was originally tired. I HATE that part, I hate non-stop activity at the time of day when I want to be relaxing and slowing down. The day ends WAY after I am done with it.

Motherhood is:
The way God gives us a taste of how much He loves us.

[spacemom]

I would never:
Hit my children. Not a spank, not a threat
I always:
Count to ten before losing it... I count to ten alot

I got an easy ride when it came to:
um....easy? Travel.. yeah they travel well

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
I can't bitch when I am having a bad day

The part I love most about parenting is:
Watching them discover something...

My terrible parenting secret is:
The kids are allowed to have candy or ice cream before bed EVERY NIGHT

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
natural/logical consequences. The most common phrase in our house is "..and if that happens who's fault is it? Yeah, YOURS, so don't come crying to Mommy when it goes bad"

My worst parenting habit:
Giving an intruction while I am not in the room with them and then yelling when they don't listen...

The one thing I am really proud of is:
Sometimes I am very very patient

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Food fights...S won't eat much. L will eat anything

I hope my kids inherit my:
friendliness

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
depression (although S is already showing signs of it)

I love that my kids are:
very articulate

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
doing things on a minute's notice

Motherhood is:
Da bomb

[Wyliekat]

I would never:
Let my daughter believe she is less than equal to anyone else in this world, or that she is not a priority for me.

I always:
Try to tell her that I love her every day.

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Breastfeeding. Food in general. Health - she's had one cold and a couple of minor cases of the sniffles. That's it. I'm scared.

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
The guilt that goes along with wondering (constantly) if I'm doing *enough*.

The part I love most about parenting is:
The moments when she does something amazing or funny. Or she pats my face and looks into my eyes and says "I love you".

My terrible parenting secret is:
I smoke. Outside, but I smoke. *hangs head* Oh, and my daughter watches too much television.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Firm and persistent. I find I never have to put her in a corner or the like, because I simply make sure she does what I say. She knows now not to challenge it. But then, I also don't fight the small battles all the time.

My worst parenting habit:
Justifying laying on the couch when I should be playing

The one thing I am really proud of is:
My daughter's amazing language talents, and the fact that she's grown healthy and tall.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Mealtime routine.

I hope my kids inherit my:
emotional IQ

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
anxiety

I love that my kids are:
So well-spoken

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Being able to go out on a whim and/or sleep in.

Motherhood is:
Worth it.

[HeatherN3Boys]

I would never:
Treat my kids in a manner that I would kick my own ass for if I treated my best friend that way.

I always:
Make time for each child individually, even if I am dead tired, frustrated and annoyed, and just want to crawl into a hole.

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Sleep and potty training.

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
Having to be the bad guy most of the time.

The part I love most about parenting is:
Hearing, "I love you mumma," or just getting an unexpected/unasked for hug, kiss, snuggle, or other sweet and loving gesture.

My terrible parenting secret is:
Letting my kids wear jammies a lot... all day. LOL

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Totalitarian. LOL It's hard, but it's all I know.

My worst parenting habit:
Jumping the gun on discipline. I am often too harsh, I think.

The one thing I am really proud of is:
My boys' manners and loving nature. They had to get it from someone!

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Eating habits.

I hope my kids inherit my:
Sense of humor.

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
Over sensitivity and bipolar tendencies.

I love that my kids are:
so different than I thought they would be, and that they are still perfect combinations of my husband and myself.

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Selfishly enough, sleeping until whenever I want and being able to have a late night out with the girls without consequences!

Motherhood is:
The best and hardest "job" I have ever had, and if it's the only thing I will ever get right, I will die happy!

[Brainy girl]

I would never:
Drive anywhere without my son (almost 2) being properly strapped in his car seat.

I always:
Shower him with physical affection and praise - I always want him to feel important to me and that he is a worthwhile person.

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Almost everything. The kid is a dream.

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
Having to constantly think about his food intake - even though he's a great eater, I find it a pain to have to plan balanced meals all the time. Of course this forces me to eat better too.

The part I love most about parenting is:
That beautiful, shining face smiling at me and coming to me for love and comfort. Watching him learn to communicate.

My terrible parenting secret is:
I only bathe him once or twice a week - I hate all the splashing and me getting wet, even though he is having a wonderful time!

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Firm and consistent, but loving.

My worst parenting habit:
I hardly ever get him to pick up his own toys.

The one thing I am really proud of is:
Really minimizing his access to television and electronic-type toys, and emphasizing free, unstructured, and outdoor play as much as possible.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Not sure - maybe letting him use grownup tools (like rakes and trowels and brooms) that may not be the safest...

I hope my kids inherit my:
Easy-going nature and love of reading

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
Inhibitions about reaching out to others

I love that my kids are:
Loving and compassion towards others.

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Being able to work late at the office or run errands after work when necessary, without having to worry about my son's daycare schedule, getting him dinner, cutting into our evening play-time, etc.

Motherhood is:
A gift. A gift wrapped in the most beautiful package I could ever imagine.

[Judy]

I would I would never:
Slap my kids

I always:
Make sure that they get enough sleep

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
Making sure they eat properly and not mess up things

The part I love most about parenting is:
The joy of seeing them smile and laugh.

My terrible parenting secret is:
I lashed out at them when i am in a bad mood.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
somehow permissive....but not overly...

My worst parenting habit:
Giving them too much leeway before giving the spank.

The one thing I am really proud of is:
My kids love me.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Them screaming for the TV

I hope my kids inherit my:
determination to succeed in life

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
bad temper

I love that my kids are:
self-confident and cheerful

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Time alone

Motherhood is:
Tough but sweet

Judy
child development - share your journey

[Kathy]

I would never:
Not sanitize my counter tops after preparing raw meat. I am a complete germ aphob

I always:
Make sure my kid are properly restrained while in a car.

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Pregnancy. Although it took my years to get pg (and that's WITH high tech medical intervention), my twin pregancy went off without one complications.

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
The lack of sleep

The part I love most about parenting is:
Snuggling with my children.
Watching the wonder of them growing up.
Reveling in thier perfect uniqueness.

My terrible parenting secret is:
I am a yeller

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Not consistent enough

My worst parenting habit:
Not consistent enough

The one thing I am really proud of is:
How my children are turning out - to be generous of heart, kind and compassionate. I'll take a little credit for that!

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Pets, we have everything you could possibly imagine. Frogs, lizards, snakes, giant millipedes, dogs, hamsters, praying mantis's and on and on and on and on

I hope my kids inherit my:
Spirtuality

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
Messiness

I love that my kids are:
Kindhearted

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Sleep

Motherhood is:
The best blessing I've ever recieved

[holls]

I would never:
leave my kids with a baby-sitter besides MY family!

I always:
disinfect the shopping cart before we use it!

I got an easy ride when it came to:
hmm....having children period. they are really great kids and always have been!

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
the kids giving me attitude

The part I love most about parenting is:
watching them grow.......hearing them talk.....seeing them learn! its awesome

My terrible parenting secret is:
i get angry, i lose my patience......i yell.....and then i feel like a horrible mom.....nobodys perfect i realize, but still....

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
strict.....

My worst parenting habit:
yelling!

The one thing I am really proud of is:
how great my kids really are!!

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
im not lenient.....

I hope my kids inherit my:
love of learning!

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
OCD, shyness, stage fright, introvertedness......LOL

I love that my kids are:
polite, kind, genuine, helpful, friendly....and they listen...mostly!

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
sleep

Motherhood is:
being a mom is the most wonderful title!! yeah, motherhood is hard.....but its also heartwarming to say to someone when they ask what i do......i'm a mom!!

[Juno]

Thanks for this great questionnaire, Tertia. It has given me an opportunity to do some real soul-searching. Although my older two are teens now, and my daughter is eight, my parenting style hasn't really changed since the days when they were toddlers (except for the smacking!)

I would never:
Let my kids out of my sight in a public place, not for a minute.

I always:
Check that they're breathing at night (yes, even the 16-year-old!).

I got an easy ride when it came to:
Eating and feeding - like their mother, they eat almost everything.

The part I disliked most about parenting was:
(Small kids): Making lunch boxes in the morning and going to other children's birthday parties
(Teens): Not being able to make life easier for them. Having to let them go, and allowing them to make their own mistakes.

The part I love most about parenting is:
Not ever having having to feel lonely again.

My terrible parenting secret is:
I lost my temper and smacked my two older kids on the bums every now and then when they were small.

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Firm and pragmatic, but I'm so dotty about my kids that I allow myself to give in and am very easily manipulated.

My worst parenting habit:
I tend to guilt-trip my kids during arguments.

The one thing I am really proud of is:
Being a consistent as a parent, and showering them with love and praise.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Discipline, watching TV, brushing teeth, going to bed on time, and (with the teens) swearing.

I hope my kids inherit my:
Integrity.

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
Tendency towards depression and anxiety, and my great love of cigarettes and white wine

I love that my kids:
Are confident free thinkers who speak their minds but respect other people's beliefs.

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
The opportunity to travel.

Motherhood is:
The most incredible experience of my life, but the most frightening too. Nobody warned me that from the moment you have a child, you are seized with a terrible fear that something dreadful will happen to them, or to you.

[jen]

I would never:
Leave my kids unattended near any body of water - bath, pond, swimming pool, paddling pool, bucket. Sorry Tertia! I changed my mind on this after a friend's son nearly drowned in a pond even though his parents were *right there*. Ditto with the dogs, though the cats are fair game (poor cats!).

I always:
Buckle my kids in to their car seats nice and tight. I was very very tired just after my new little girl was born and I turned round to find my 2yr old son had wriggled out of his harness on a motorway. NEVER AGAIN. Heart-attack followed by quick exit off the motorway. Eek.

I got an easy ride when it came to:
My son's ability to get himself to sleep since he was about 8 months. Bliss. It was very hard won, though.

The part I dislike most about parenting is:
Making sure they eat properly. Oh yes. My son used to eat anything - now it's just a power trip Every.Single.Meal. Toddlers - guh! My daughter isn't that great either, and she's (a very light) 4 months.

The part I love most about parenting is:
Snuggles and kisses at bed time. Once the bath is done and they're all ready for bed - stories and cuddles. Priceless.

My terrible parenting secret is:
Using my mum as a babysitter - via webcam. BAD MUMMY. If my son's eating his dinner I set up the computer so he can talk to Granny whilst I change nappies/hoover/feed baby/go to the loo ALONE. Gotta love iChat!

I would describe my approach to discipline as:
Softish. I was brought up with an iron fist but I think I have swung too far the other way.

My worst parenting habit:
Currently it's yelling, as I am so tired my tolerance is way down (NOT good news with a toddler!). Pandering to their wishes a bit too much re food, too. Too tired to do otherwise!

The one thing I am really proud of is:
I have a smart, enthusiastic, happy and (usually!) kind toddler and a wonderful baby.

I probably am too lenient when it comes to:
Food issues. Guh.

I hope my kids inherit my:
Scrabble ability.

I hope my kids don’t inherit my:
Maths (dis)ability. And negativity. And shyness. I need another page for the rest...

I love that my kids are:
So funny and happy.

The thing I miss most about my pre-mom days is:
Reading time. I haven't read a newspaper for months! And being able to go to the loo without an escort.

Motherhood is:
Scary as hell! But still wonderful. I wouldn't swap it for the world.

Good post, Tertia!