by Sj Brown

Created on: April 07, 2010

When I was changing green poop-filled diapers and wondering if the left shoulder of my clothing would ever be "spit-up free" it was hard to imagine what it would be like to really enjoy motherhood. I mean, I had no sleep, a screaming/colicky baby to take care of, bills to pay, a career to sort out and house to keep up. Who in their right mind could find the time to ENJOY motherhood?

But looking back on it all now, let me give you a bit of advice on how to really enjoy motherhood.

Photos: have your photos professionally done at least once a year. I know, you think you look awful, you hate your hair, the baby has spit-up on his clothes, etc. But I've seen way to many mothers try to be professional photographer and capture every cute moment of their infants life that they end of missing the memory altogether. So, ditch the camera every now and then and really BE with your child. I am sure you'll keep the memory in your head.

Ditch the chores: is it really necessary to have your kitchen clean EVERY night? The dishes will wait, the laundry can hang out in the dryer for 10 minutes and the dusting will be there tomorrow ... trust me. Have fun teaching your child to spill water all over the floor and clean it up, laughing the whole time.

Play hookie: I wish I had done this more often. I do take time off work nowadays to spend with my 13-year-old. We go to the movies, shop for clothes, visit art galleries and eat really bad-for-you fast food. Some schools will let you check your child out of school for cultural events like museum visits or diversity plays (especially if it is around the holidays when there is little academics happening).

Travel with your child: Pick a place close by and just pick up and go. Do a day trip to a historic site or national park. Learn something together. You don't need a Taj Mahal of pack-n-play cribs and a balanced 3-course lunch to have fun. Bring a blanket and a snack and GO!

Ignore the "woulda, shoulda, coulda" crowd: People who tell you that you and your children need structure in every second of the day need to lighten up. Grabbing your child and extemporaneously dancing in the rain and stomping in mud puddles is highly discouraged by those people who think that children and parents need a plan for every hour of the day to make successful members of society. Pooey! Go stomp in the those mud puddles and enjoy your motherhood with your child. Why? Because it's way too short!

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