8 Simple Tips to Win at Motherhood
We can all use a few motherhood tips, right? I mean if ever there was an overzealous title, this was it. The only person winning motherhood is the miniature person controlling your every thought and action. Realistically, these tips will help you survive motherhood at best.
I’ve received a lot of advice in the four years since I first became pregnant. And if there’s one thing I hate: it’s someone telling me how to do something related to raising my kids. Unless you’re my mom or have a PhD, not interested.
So take these motherhood tips with a grain of salt. I don’t have magical tricks or “ah ha” solutions. More like mom street-smarts.
Motherhood Tips: 8 Ways to Win at Motherhood
1. Stop reading the sleep-training books.
Look, I get it. Knowledge makes us feel more prepared to enter this world we know nothing about. So read 1 if it’s going to ease your anxiety. And then stop. There are so many books, blogs, experts claiming to be the Messiah of sleep-training and I just can’t.
We consulted “Moms on Call” religiously when Bauer was a baby. It’s a great book with lots of helpful information. Bauer slept through the night at 4-months and so the book took it’s rightful place on a pedestal. And then Kingsley was born. And the book must have decided to sit this one out on the bench. We did EVERYTHING the same. Didn’t work. Want to know why? Because babies aren’t programmable robots. Do your best to set a “normal” bedtime routine, fill their bellies and they’ll sleep through the night when they’re ready.
2. There’s nothing wrong with restraining devices.
I’m aware of how that sounds. I use to 100 percent eye roll when I saw a mom or dad walk by with their toddler attached to one of those leash things. I still don’t own one – but I’ve stopped judging. The general assumption is A. Lazy parent or B. Poorly behaved child. When in reality, it boils down to one thing: toddlers are freaking nuts. At the end of the day, we’re all just doing our best to keep them safe. We opted for the double stroller even though it’s price tag was up their with our mortgage – but until our girls are older, it’s really the only way to keep them safe in certain public, crowded situations.
3. Don’t agree to host a birthday party at your house.
Go to a park. Go to your local gymnastics center. Lie to your kid and tell them their birthday is in July, not December – and have that fiesta at the pool. There are certain things that are inevitable in parenting – sleepless nights, cleaning up puke, the list goes on and on – you, and you alone, have the ability to spare yourself the stress associated with hosting a toddler birthday. You’d be fine if Pinterest didn’t exist – but it does, and it’s going to set unrealistic expectations. Also, it will 100 percent rain on the day of your party. Any visions you had of the kids playing in the backyard will be replaced with them rubbing their greasy potato chip hands on your walls.
4. Buying in bulk will you bite in the ass.
Despite my husband’s best efforts I just can’t get onboard with Costco. I feel like I’m hoarding for the apocalypse and the aisles just don’t have the allure that Publix and Target do. Throw in the fact that my children are picky AF, and why would I ever risk buying 20 boxes of oversized anything? Kingsley eats three bananas one day and decides they are straight-up poison 24 hours later. Save yourself the frustration and pantry space.
5. Understand your limits when it comes to car seat cleanliness.
There is a time and a place for clean cars. It’s in your early 20s. When you have children you need to get down with throwing Goldfish, french fries and fruit snacks to the dictators strapped in behind you and move on with your life. Pay someone every few months to clean it out, enjoy the cleanliness for 5 minutes and then hit up the nearest fast-food drive thru. It’s worth a quiet car ride.
6. If your child has a runny nose, disconnect your Internet.
Nothing will freak you out faster than Googling “running nose, fever, irritable.” Chances are it’s the common cold, but the Internet has a flare for the dramatic. And after telling you it’s a life-threatening condition called X, Y, Z they are going to end with “Call your pediatrician.” So like just skip to it. At the other end of the line will be someone with a PhD that actually knows what they’re talking about. The only thing worse than WebMD are the mom-boards where moms diagnose other moms, based on their experiences. Spare yourself.
7. Commercials are bad. And not because I’m anti-screen time.
You know how we stopped watching commercials with the invention of DVR? Well, I’ve always thought to myself – why do brands continue to make commercials? It’s because Superwoman herself can’t get to the controller before Mickey Mouse ClubHouse turns into this baby doll that swims in the bath with special googles and flippers. They’re still making commercials because of children. Bauer saw that doll on TV once. Two days later FedEx delivered her one. She’s upstairs right now swimming in my free-standing tub that I’ve yet to bathe in.
8. Don’t rush things.
And I don’t mean this in a sentimental “it goes so fast” way. It absolutely, 100 percent goes so fast. Too fast. But I’m speaking more tactically. I know it’s super exciting when your baby hits milestones and moves on to the next phase. But it often makes you have to throw yourself out of whatever comfort zone you finally landed in. For example, I thought it was the cutest when Bauer wanted to move from her highchair to a big girl seat at our kitchen table. WORST IDEA EVER. Highchairs serve a purpose. They keep children stationary while they’re eating so you can avoid the following: 1. Begging them to sit still so they don’t choke 2. Corraling them so you can wipe grease off their fingers before the run a muck and 3. Keeping them in one spot long enough for you to unload the dishwasher. Highchairs are magical. Don’t undervalue them.
And with that, GIVEAWAY TIME.
The Skip Hop Tuo Highchair is my absolute fav. It’s functional and stylish. I’m giving away one highchair (retails for $160) to one fellow mom (or dad!). You don’t have to follow a billion Instagram accounts to enter, you simple have to do one of the following:
A. Share this post on Facebook
OR
B. Like, comment + tag 1 friend on this photo on Instagram
And then comment on this post below and say PICK ME (or whatever you want) so I know you’ve entered.
I’ll select a random winner a week from today (Thursday, March 29 at 9 p.m. EST), then BOOM. Cutest little highchair delivered to your doorstep.
Note: open to continental U.S. only.
Memories captured by Brooke Whitney Photography.
Khyrstin ShePard says
Pick me!!!!!! My little man coming in June would love this!
Breezy smith says
This post was awesome- thanks for sharing. I love the way you write simply and with some humor! PICK ME
LavayedA knoof says
Pick me pick me!!! In love with that chair!!!xoxo
Frances kreklow says
Pick us!! Pick us!! Two boys, 12months 15days apart. ??♀️????
Alecia stephenson says
I would love this chair. I love your blog posts, Meghan. I always find myself says “yes! Exactly!” out loud. I totally agree to throw away the sleep books. Nothing made me more insecure than ALL the sleep advice. Just listen to your baby. Thanks for another great post and I hope I win that fab high chair! ?
Gloria case says
Pick me. I’d love this high chair for my daughter who is expecting in August.
Lindsay maurEr says
Loving this highchair!!! PICK ME!!
Megan tipton says
Pick me! ?
Christine says
Love this highchair! Pick me!!! I have twins and would love not to buy two ?
AnGela silver says
Pick me!!
Bailey S says
PICK ME! PLEASE 🙂
Stephanie says
Pick me! Would love for #3!
Britt Bradforf says
Pick me! Just had baby #3 on Valentine’s Day and need a highchair for her!
Madeline Holmes says
Pick me!! I’m such a fan of these tips too, I need all the tips I can get since I’ll be a first time momma to a little girl due in June ? thank you so much for the chance to win! My IG handle is gracefullifehq.
Britt Bradford says
Pick me! Just had baby #3 on Valentine’s Day and need a highchair for her!
Lauren rIchards says
Amazing post!! I would definitely love this high chair for Beckett!
Jill faelnar says
Pick me!!! My baby girl getting ready to start her solid foods! ?
jamie marklin says
I couldn’t agree more w all 8 of these! We have two little girls close in age to yours, so i LOvE reading and relating to your blogs. We also have a baby boy arriving in May and wouldnlove to give him something new for once!
Miranda Hudson says
My little one is due in November! I would love to win this! Thank you for the opportunity. God bless!
Kait lang says
These are 100 gold! Thank you for your honest view point! I’d love to win…. we’re using a Cosco high-chair and i positively drool over this high chair! Love following you!
Meredtih Weatherby says
Would love this!!
Chelsea says
You are hilarious. Love your blog posts.
Entering for this! Due in June with a baby boy 🙂
P.S. I don’t have any friends so I’m tagging my husband hahaha
Skylar says
Ain’t that the truth! Entered to win this adorable high chair!
Kelsey Acevedo says
Pick me!! Soon to be first time Momma! ☺️ I found your article very calming as I prepare for my first little one! Thank you!!
Marta Collins says
Pick me! I look forward to your posts every day!
Kate says
Loved this post! Pick me! My son will be 5 months old soon and I’m hoping he will be trying rice cereal and baby food for the first time in a stylish high chair ?
mandy says
Pick me ? we have an 8 month old and #2 arriving in July! This high chair would be a welcome and beautiful addition to our home!
Kara says
Pick me! I 100% agree with everything you said
Cammi says
Love this post! I couldn’t agree more with the “don’t google your child’s illness” comment. I’d also love to be chosen for the high chair – it’d look great paired with my gathre mat! ?
aileen says
Great post!! Love your blog!
Lynne h says
Would love to throw my name into the raffle for this chair! Thanks for doing this for one lucky winner. By the way, love your blog, IG posts, and photos – you’re down to earth and realistic when it comes to parenting. Your interior design eye is on target too! Fingers crossed!
Myra ochoa says
Pick me pick me
Brittany says
We just moved and don’t have a high chair yet! Love your blog!! ?
Meghan Welton says
Pick me!!!! I just love your blog and following you on IG. You keep it real momma!!
jackie BuckleY says
Could not agree more with every point in this post. Thank you for being so relatable and making me feel like I’m not the only one 🙂 would love to win the high chair for baby #2. We ended up throwing out our last high chair because I felt like no amount of scrubbing could get it clean after months of purées, crumbs and greasy/sticky fingers. This one looks so much easier to keep clean though!
Brittany jullion says
I follow you on Instagram and your stories are my favourite part of the day! I learn so much from you from baby stuff, to decorating, I love it all! Your wallpaper wall is life! I would love to win this highchair for my sweet little boy! ??
JILLIAN says
Great post! Such truth- I’ve self diagnosed my child several times with crazy illnesses thanks to Dr.Google. With baby 2 I’m slightly better, but the baby hormones are fo real!! Thx for the truth and humor!
Ashley says
Oh my word, this post is exactly what I needed to read today!!!!! (As I slowly put down the third baby sleep book and closing all the mom boards “sick or teething” ???) PICK ME, PICK ME, PICK ME!!!! Not that my little girl will eat in this high chair (tots refusing ALL food) but she would sure look cute in it!!!
Jennifer Gomez says
Great blog post! In relation to this highchair giveaway and feeding, I’ve almost been forcing Georgia to go down the baby led weaning path and she is having nothing to do with it. So I gave her some cereal yesterday and she lapped it right out of a spoon. I puréed some pears today and again she ate a ton from the spoon. There goes my wish for spending less time in the kitchen 🙂 But enforces the need for a great high chair. Xxoo
Savannah k says
Pick me!
Savannah k says
Pick me! (I misspelled my email in the last comment)
Casey Rutherford says
Me me me! Love this!
ElizaBeth burns says
Pick me!! I completely got rid of our high chair I used with our two older girls after we had a second trimester miscarriage. Well here we are with our rainbow baby born last month ?. I’ve been eyeing this high chair for months and would love to win it ?
Brianna rosen says
Love this. Especially the bit about the car. Good lord I struggle with the dirty car seat and crumbs in every nook of the back seat. ? Oh, and pretty please pick me. I’d love such a pretty restraint for my wild man.
Angely Alvarado says
Pick Me!!!! ? and be my best friend! Lol! You are so funny and down to earth! I love that you are nothing about appearances, I really hope you can pick me! ?? I’ve been waiting for this giveaway since the time you annouced it on your story! This month we will be closing for our new house! My 22 month old already has a highchair, but we still haven’t bought one for my almost 8 month old. So in the mind time I’ve have been rotating to be able to feed them! Lol so this would really work if I win the five away! That way I can feed them at the same time! That would be the best!! So I won’t have to clean all the mess of the left over twice! It would only be once! That just wouldn’t be the best! That would be F AWESOME!!!!! ??
Gwen Serio says
Pick me! I’d love to have one of these for my son
Katie says
I just love all your real advice! I love that you don’t sugar coat things too! I’d love to win this adorable high chair and we are currently trying to have a baby!
Lauren says
Love this post and love you for always keeping to real!!!
Stephanie molina says
Pick me, pick me! ?
Ivanna says
Pick me pick me pick me ! My 6 month old is starting solids and I have not gotten a high chair for her so this would be perfection ?????
Kenzie streich says
Pick me pick me ♥️
Meghan says
Would love to receive this highchair for baby number 2, thank you!
Dfitz says
Pick me!
Anna says
I laughed out loud when I read about not Googlkng illnesses. Same goes for asking on Facebook. Social media is full of moms asking each other. what illness their child may have. CALL YOUR DOCTORS YOU FOOLS!
Katie says
Pick me!! Just survived the first year of parenthood!! You bet my husband and I polished off a bottle of Champagne when she went to sleep!! ??
Stephanie says
Ahh I love your posts! I find myself agreeing with tons of your blog posts & Instagram stories. Totally agree with the sleep training books- I obsessed over them during pregnancy then realized very quickly that my babe will do what she wants to do when she’s ready to do it. We just started solids and have been looking for a cute high chair so this would be perfect! 🙂
Kim MontagninO says
The potato chip hands on your walls, too funny! Great post ❤️
Sarah brown says
Pick me!
BrIanna says
???yes!
Kara beam says
Laughed out loud!! Pick me ?
Denali hyMan says
Pick us! I’m 4 days past our due date! Little one will be needing a high chair (fast forward 6-9 months). Love your stories and heart!
Heather says
Pick me!
This post is spot on! I love your view on parenting!
londyn says
please pick me. please. please. please.
i also love all your mom and doodle shirts.
Jessy carlisle says
Pick me!
Rachel says
Pick me! I’ve looked at high chairs but they all seem too plasticy or like a car seat in my kitchen, but this one is so cute!
Carli Simpson says
Yes to all of this. Pick me!! ??
Aleen says
This is cute! And looks sturdy! ♥️??
Jaclyn says
You are freakin hilarious and a genuine soul! Thanks for keeping it real ?
Rebecca tipton says
Pick me!!! My babe is starting to eat food and I would love a great piece like this for him!! ?
Jillian smoller says
Me me me!! I love this highchair! Our current one is so ugly and makes the kitchen look ugly( although the kitchen is already ugly!). Love following you!
MarY D. says
Pick me! Such a great high chair that would look amazing in my kitchen – but an even better post! Thank you for being a mommy blogger that is real, honest, and relatable! I’ve only been doing this mommy thing for 5 weeks today but already appreciate your posts so much – especially your points about birthday parties and commercials in this post! I look forward to reading more!
Bobbie Harrell says
I would love this highchair!!! It is so cute and would look so perfect in our house! ❤❤❤
Meredith gerhart says
Pick me!!! That highchair is so cute and would be perfect for our little one on the way!! 🙂
Sara says
Pick me!!! I’m due beginning of May and this would be super helpful.!
Ashley says
Love your last post. I want to teach my son to say that too haha so great. Pick me!
Mackenzie says
I’m with you on #5… and it applies to so much more! Countertops, entryway, bathtub, bookshelves, the list goes on ?
Mackenzie says
Oh, and pick me!
Meghan Basinger says
Hi Mackenzie! Guess what? The fancy random selector tool chose YOU. Shoot me an email at meg@meghanbasinger.com or message me on Instagram and let’s talk about getting this highchair to you.
Kate says
Pick me! Love your blog and sweet family!
JasmIn Day says
Pick me!!
Amanda says
It’s about time high chairs looked like this! *would love to win this for my new little man* 😉
Nicole b. says
I entered on Instagram. Hopefully it’s not too late! Love this chair! ?
NaTalie says
Pick meeee!! Would love to surprise my baby girls Oma with a high chair, she helps us with our little girl all day every day and I just know a high chair would be a huge help!
Love that you’re doing the give away!! Keep going mama!
Nicole says
Almost forgot to comment here! Pick me ! ??♀️??♀️