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.