If you came here looking for fool-proof tricks and tips from a seasoned mom, you’ve come to the wrong place. Have you ever gone into something with the best of intentions, only to have it completely blow up in your face? Well, I have – especially as a mom. Being a parent has been a constant learning experience for me. Just when I think I have it all figured out, my kids go and school me in the fine art of humility. My daughter, being our lucky first child, has had the honor of being the star in many of my #winning parenting moments. Here are a few that come to mind…
Trampoline Face-Plant
The first time I took my daughter to a trampoline park, things started off great! At one point she wanted me to hold her so we could bounce together. After gaining my bearings, I started bouncing from one trampoline to another. Well, I totally biffed it, and as we fell, she flew out of my arms and landed flat on her face. I don’t know who or how many saw it happen because I was so ashamed that I couldn’t even see straight. Just to ensure proper embarrassment factor, she screamed for about 10 whole minutes after the incident. #winning
Carousel Bail
We attended a cousin’s birthday party at Peter Piper Pizza when my daughter was two and a half. One of the “games” was this cute little miniature carousel. Thinking she would love it, I plopped her on a horse and popped in a token. As soon as it started to move, she freaked and decided to bail mid-ride. I literally caught her upside-down, by the ankles, inches from the ground. My sister-in-law yelled out, “OH MY GOD!!!” and everyone stared as we tried to compose ourselves. #winning
Circus Disaster
When my daughter was three, we took her to the circus. She pouted through the first act (because we wouldn’t buy popcorn), but it didn’t stop me from trying to have fun. During intermission, the floor opened up for games, etc. She asked to jump in the bouncy house, and I agreed. She climbed to the top of the slide, got scared, and wouldn’t come down. Kids were trampling over her, and no amount of coaxing would bring her down. The attendant wouldn’t let me go in after her and instead sent up a clown to bring her down to me. I will forever have the image burned into my memory. An unhappy clown, wrestling my daughter down the slide, kicking, flailing, and screaming. I was so defeated that we skipped the second act completely and instead make the walk of shame back to the car. #winning
Please tell me I’m not the only one #winning at parenting. What are some of your favorite #winning parenting moments?
