This is part of a sponsored collaboration with Minute Maid and DiMe Media, but all opinions are my own.
I can’t believe it’s almost time for my kids to go back to school! Summer often feels like it drags on, but the days really do fly by when you’re having fun, as the saying goes! While I’ve often felt guilty for not being able to provide my daughters with the amazing beach vacations or pricey sleep-away camps that many of their friends are experiencing, after seeing their smiling faces greeting me happily every morning, I know I’m doin’ good. We’ve had a summer jam-packed with fun activities, a few road trips, and lots of quality family time. But I am ready to get back to our daily routine. How many days until school starts? 11. We’ve finished all of our back-to-school shopping and are going to take one last big trip to send summer out with a bang!
As I savor these last few lazy mornings with my kids before the hustle-and-bustle of school takes over, I realize just how blessed I am to have been able to spend so much time with them this summer. I often wonder how other moms do it. The pressures and demands of everyday life never go away, and while sending my daughters back to school will be a welcome relief for me, I know many parents who don’t spend as much time with their kids as they’d like.
My sister-in-law, for example. She’s doing an amazing job as a parent, juggling a full-time job, graduate school, an internship, a daughter home for the summer, and a sick family pet. She often doubts herself, especially when it comes to spending time with my niece, but she really is such a great mom. Every free moment she has, she devotes to her. She even takes the time to take my daughters to the beach, as she’s doing this weekend, giving me some time to myself. Her kindness doesn’t go unnoticed!
Recognizing other parents for the great job they’re doing, whether it be a family member, a friend, or just a random parent you meet at the bus stop, is SO important. We all need that little pat on the back sometimes… that reassurance that we’re doin’ good even if it doesn’t always seem that way. This is why I really love Minute Maid’s “Doin’ Good” campaign, which is all about celebrating moms and dads who are, in reality, doing better than they think. It’s about embracing the notion of perfect imperfection: making the most of the time we spend with our kids, and making the best of some of the more challenging moments that come with being a parent.
I know so many parents that are definitely not giving themselves enough credit. I should tell them how good they are doing.
Yup! Parenting is such a hard/demanding job that encouraging other parents is just one way to bless others and make life so much easier 🙂
I really like this campaign. Parents can be too hard on ourselves sometimes.
This Summer really did fly by .. they look so cute with their signs. I like this campaign .. parents need to give themselves credit where its due for all the hard work. This is great
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It is so important to celebrate other parents when they are doing good. Your SIL sounds really special. And kudos to you, too. Kids don’t need pricey vacations or sleep away camps to have happy summers. In fact, sometimes it is the simple things that really impact kids. So you’re doing good, too Momma!
🙂
Traci
Parenting can be hard at times, but it’s so rewarding. I definitely made a point of telling my mother she is a great mom.
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Very few parents think they are doing good enough. We need to pat each other on the back every so often.
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I feel the same way about my Sister in Law. She is an amazing inspiration to me. She is a great Mom and does so much for those around her.
I love the idea of supporting other parents. Too much time is spent criticizing each other with “mommy wars” and all that. I think finding the good in someone is much more productive!
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This is a lovely idea! I am blessed to be surrounded by loving, caring mothers. They are all wonderful in their own way!
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I think the reason I’ve chosen never to be a parent is partly because I know how much effort it must be. Seeing tired mums and dads lugging prams and bags around with kids in tow takes a special kind of love, I’d say!
It really is important to recognize the great job others are doing too. We have some great mom’s in our fam. too and a big hurrah for it.
What a neat campaign my Minute Maid, especially for mothers. The guilt can consume us but really we are all doing a decent job most of the time at parenting.
I hope they have fun this school year! They look adorable for their first day of school.
You can be surprised at what a simple smile can do to someone who is having a bad day. Love this campaign.
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This is a wonderful idea! I am blessed to be surrounded by loving friends, moms who help each other and make a difference!
I love this idea! I know so many parents who don’t give themselves the credit they need.
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I feel like telling this to every other mom, who feels overworked. Hey, they get the whole family out the door, dressed up, fed, and ready for the day – That is a major!
Its nice that you took a moment to recognize your sister in law. Its really nit easy so I like the idea behind this program.
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I love the idea of telling a fellow parent what a great job he or she is doing!