in {her} shoes…Chrissy

I’m very honored and excited to be invited by Andie to share a bit with you today! I love learning more about the women behind the blogs I read and realize that I don’t always share that much on my own, so here goes…

Well, first things first, my name is Chrissy.

{The Old Me}

I’m a California native and live in the Silicon Valley with my husband, daughter (almost 3.5) and my son (a little over 2). Life was really hectic with both my husband and I working around-the-clock jobs and juggling our two under two, so I took a break to stay home with my little ones and it was the BEST decision I have ever made. Our family is much better for it and I know that if I didn’t do it, it would have been one of my biggest regrets. It was really difficult for me to make the decision to leave the workforce, which is why I started blogging in the first place. Looking back, I don’t see what was so difficult about it! Now, I’m back working on a much more flexible schedule and the kids have started school part-time. There are things I love about the current situation and things I don’t, but I’m getting a lot of the best parts of both worlds, so I can’t complain.

{Working Me}

What is the most challenging part of being the type of mom you are?

One of the hardest things about being a mom is having to model all of that good behavior I am always going on and on about to the kids. I know that if I am not living up to the expectations I place on them, they’ll see through the hypocrisy of my “rules” or values and they won’t have any incentive to conduct themselves in a certain way just because I tell them that’s what they should be doing. I miss having the luxury of being sloppy, or indecisive, or blowing my lid. It’s tiring always being calm and patient and able and cheerful!

What is the most rewarding?

I don’t know if the way I parent or the type of mom I am makes being a mom rewarding or more that it’s just being a mom that is. I think, though, that one of the things I’ve done as a mom that I’m continually reaping the benefits of is treating my children like people, not babies. Instead of coddling them and lowering my expectations for their behavior, I’ve always let them know that they can do anything – not just things like brushing their teeth, but figuring out how to solve their own problems or control their behavior. For instance, nowadays, when my son is having a tantrum, he’ll stop after a while, wipe off his tears, and say, “I finish my tantrum. I stop crying. I happy now.” That brings tears to my eyes!

In your opinion, what’s the most important value(s) parents can instill in their children?

Kindness and the ability to love are at the top of my list in terms of values I hope my children will learn. If I raise kind children who love each other and know what it is to treat others with respect, I would be pleased enough with my parenting. Honesty and integrity, in terms of being true to themselves, also rank up there, as well as, the ability to think. I find it’s easier to show them what kindness and honesty are, but it takes more work to teach them how to think. It’s something I’m mindful of doing every day. When I’m tired, I just want to do everything for them or answer every question just to make them be quiet or do a task a little faster, but I have to remind myself to slow down and explain everything. Instead of answering a string of “Why?” questions, I’ll ask them what they think the answer is and the reasons behind their answers. It forces them to stop and think instead of being lazy – like me!

If your children could describe you in 3 words, which ones would they pick?  Gosh, I know what I would love to hear them say, but I have no idea if those things would be what they’d pick! If I were to guess, I would think my daughter would say I am a “silly billy,” I have a big belly, and that I like to do “projeks.” My son would probably say that I drive a “miniban,” I have snacks, and I have long hair. They’re both right. Although, it would be nice if they said I was kind, clever, and fun. I’m not worried, I still have time – they’re young yet …

{The Mommy Me}