#UnstoppableMoms – “Motherhood has Many Seasons”

I wrote this post as part of my participation in a blog tour for The Motherhood on behalf of the makers of Children’s MOTRIN® and received compensation to thank me for taking the time to participate. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

Motherhood for me started on a beautiful Fall day nearly 14 years ago.  As I write this post, my almost newly minted 14 year old, is experiencing many firsts – and they are all happening without me (and her sister, 17 months younger is right behind her!).  This new season of motherhood is truly forcing me to find the courage to be an UNSTOPPABLE MOM!

I’m totally experiencing some of the same feelings I had when my first born daughter entered preschool, had her first official playdate and brought home her first report card.  My stomach is aflutter with nerves, but it’s of pure excitement.  At this point, I have NO idea what kind of mother I am – it’s all about to reveal itself in these teen years – I truly believe that.  I think all the investment over the past 14 years starts to pay back dividends, and I totally feel like I’m an unstoppable mom because of the lesson my girls have taught me.

Corny, but true – it TAKES A VILLAGE!

My journey into motherhood has never been a solo mission.  I’ve had an amazing and supportive treasure trove of folks along for the ride.  My mother and father have been tremendously influential.  Every step of the way, they seem to know the perfect thing to say and contribute in the most valuable way…they have complete faith and trust in ME as a parent.  They don’t  judge me or my decisions. It helps to make me feel like an unstoppable mom! To forge through the icky stuff to find the absolute joys that only a mother knows, is when her children are happy! As they always say, you are as HAPPY AS YOUR MOST UNHAPPY CHILD. Right? Let’s not forget about my very wonderful hubby, Scott – he is Father of the Year most days – I couldn’t do anything without him.

One of the greatest tips I ever received was from a teacher friend of mine – she told me without reservation, that motherhood is filled with MANY seasons, when one season seems to be warm and inviting, others are cold and tiring.  As the seasons change, so must our attitude and willingness to look past the months that were difficult, learn from them, and truly move forward.  As I said earlier, the foundation work has been laid – now my teenager is forging a path of her own and I now get to watch from a backseat, BUT… Oh, do I love watching her maneuver towards her dreams.  Just the other day, a speaker came to her school and after a brief interaction proclaimed to her that she had “what it takes to reach her goals in life”, – What else can a parent wish for beyond good health?  We just want our kids to be HAPPY, content and make a life that they are proud of!

My True Mom’s Lifesaver!

Thankfully, I have many Unstoppable Moms in my life! I really think I hit the ‘motherlode’ when it comes to supportive woman that I trust. From women that I have never even met in real life, to childhood pals, each person has contributed to my world in significant ways.  One truly amazing Mom influence is my very best friend Bonnie.  She’s truly been there for me through thick and thin as I navigate my journey.  What is significant about her, is she makes me feel as if I am NEVER alone, and that I’VE GOT THIS.  She confirms that I’m UNSTOPPABLE – and to keep going with a smile.

When Motrin asked Bonnie and I to contribute to this campaign we jumped on it.  Our blog Mom’s Lifesavers is ALL about sharing tips and ideas to make life easier for moms of every stage.  As Bonnie and I navigate children ages 9 to 14 we are bonded together to do this TOGETHER – and because of it, we ARE Unstoppable Moms!

About the Children’s Motrin Campaign

The makers of Children’s MOTRIN® are inspired by all the things Moms do, from quick family meals to keeping the kids entertained on rainy days.  Moms may not always realize it, but they are amazing in so many ways. Moms are on call day and night and have so much unique knowledge that can really help other moms.

That’s why the makers of Children’s MOTRIN® are asking moms to share this knowledge in the form of tips and tricks that help keep them going. These can be their own tips or those from moms they know, and can be about everything from how they create quick meals for their family to how they keep the kids entertained on a long drive. Join in! Watch for Bonnies video on the Motrin Facebook Page SOON! WOOHOO!

THE DETAILS!

The makers of Children’s MOTRIN® are asking Moms to post their tips and tricks to the MOTRIN® Facebook page under each week’s Kelly Ripa question video and for every post, Children’s MOTRIN® will donate $1 to Safe Kids Worldwide, a global nonprofit that provides moms with the tips they need to help keep their children safe.  Moms could even win weekly giveaways of $100 gift cards just for posting.*

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY, OPEN TO LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES & D.C., 18 AND OLDER. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Promotion ends 11:59p.m. ET 12/28/14.  Sponsor will donate $1 for each approved Submission made as part of the promotion, with a minimum donation of $30,000 and a maximum donation of $50,000.  For Official Rules, and complete details, visit www.unstoppablemoms.com. Sponsor: McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc.  To learn more about Safe Kids Worldwide visit safekids.org.