Incredible Woman #5 - Kim Walus

"A lot of the Advice I gave on Being a Women also applies to being a Mother. There are a few other important things I've learned along my way that I want to share with Mother's every where. It's so important to just LOVE your kids, Support your kids, Listen to your kids, Pray for your kids and Teach your kids. They look to us for guidance, love, and support. Being a mother is not an easy job and challenges are often placed before us but there is help for us. It's called PRAYER! Sometimes all we can do for our kids is PRAY! The teenage years can be difficult and I often found myself on my knees praying for my kids. It's a tough world out there with so much evil. I'm going to try not to sound preachy but I think it's really important in today's world especially to define what the gift of FREE AGENCY is and what "CHOICE and ACCOUNTABILITY" means. I've taught my kids about CHOICES and the consequences that come with the choices they make whether it's a good choice or a not so good choice. I want to end with this...YOU'RE the BEST...even if you're kids haven't figured that out yet! Remember, they will eventually get BRAND NEW eyes when they grow up and especially when they have children of their own. It's great to see the Epiphany that happens. Wait for it! It's WORTH it!!"

Incredible Woman #4 - Jyl Pattee

Here's a few thoughts...

* Recognize that motherhood has many definitions. I've been a full-time working mom with a nanny. I've been a stay-at-home mom, playing a full-time role of raising my kids. And, now I am running my own business from home, trying to balance that and motherhood. The times when motherhood has been most difficult is when I allow others' definitions of motherhood to dictate what motherhood "should" be. When I remember that I am a mom regardless of my current situation in life, I am a much better mother and much less hard on myself.
* Spend one-on-one time with each child. This is easy for me to say, because I only have two kids. But, I think it is important to carve out individual time with each child. It doesn't take an official date, although those times are fun. Even small and simple things mean a lot and help you get to know the unique parts of each of your kid's personalities.
* Cherish each child for their unique personalities. I think sometimes it is hard to parent to different personalities. I have one child that is very structured and one that is more like me—not so structured. Parenting them the same way often doesn't work, but appreciating them and tailoring certain things to their personalities helps them grow and develop in ways that work best for them.