20 March 2009

Before we have kids, most of us try to stay in shape. Some of us have even spent hours at the gym in order to stay healthy and look good. When we become moms, there are a whole new set of muscles to tone...MOMMY MUSCLES.
What in the world are mommy muscles? I refer to mommy muscles as the mental ability to take charge of your children and stand firm. My own mommy muscles need some serious work, I'll admit. I've had ten years of strength training and I still have areas that need work, like my consistency muscle and my heart strings. I spent last night scanning several mommy forums in order to find good examples of women who need to realize that they are seriously neglecting their mommy muscles.
The following statements and questions are from real moms:
- "Every time I put my 4 year old down, she cries. What do I do?"
- "I cannot seem to get my two year old to give up his pacifier. Help!"
- "My eight year old talks to me like I'm her peer and not her mother. Any suggestions?"
- "My three year old has been having full blown tantrums in the stores and I am so embarrassed! What should I do?"
Ladies...it is time to man up (metaphorically speaking) and find your mommy muscles. For instance, those with toned muscles would answer the above questions like so
- "When you set your four year old down and she cries, you ignore her. Do not pick her back up while she is crying. Do not acknowledge her while she is crying. After she is done crying, explain to her that you will not give in to her when she behaves that way. Eventually, she will get the message."
- "Cut the nipples off of your two year old's pacifiers. Tell him that they are broken and it is time to throw them away. He will get over it."
- "Remind your eight year old that you are the mother....then start acting like it. You have allowed her to talk in the manner that she is. If she speaks to you like a peer, ignore her or employ a consequence when she is disrespectful."
- "When your three year old starts to have a tantrum, leave your basket where it is and take him/her out of the store. This habit of throwing a tantrum is a classic power struggle. Show your toddler that you will not allow him or her to embarrass you and that you will leave if necessary."
Just like any exercise regimen, toning will be a tad uncomfortable and will take awhile before you have a toned muscle. It will take dedication and regular flexing to get results. I assure you, however, that you will see results and that your children will benefit from your work outs. Stay strong!
*Photo courtesy: Gil Elvgren