Just the other day I recognized Kaitlyn engaging in a particular little wiggle that all parents recognize as a plea to go potty. I watched a for a second longer and sure enough, it was the wiggle. So I asked her, “Kaitlyn, do you need to go to the potty?” Well, she happened to be busy playing with other kids and her not-so-surprising answer was a flat out “No ma’am, I not need to go.”

I should have known better. I should have hopped up and escorted her right away, but I was distracted myself and after all, she said no, right?

Hand smack to forehead moment because not even 60 seconds later, she was standing in a puddle saying “uh oh” and I was kicking myself for not following one of my personal pearls of obvious parenting wisdom: don’t phrase it like a question.

You’d think after almost 6 years of parenting experience, I wouldn’t make this mistake anymore, but I do. Quite often. Do you girls want to stop playing so we can eat dinner? and Are y’all ready to head to bed? Whyyyyyy. Why do I ask?

I’m working on telling, not asking, so I don’t have to honor their answers, but also so I don’t have to correct myself immediately afterwards the way I do now. Are y’all ready to get in the car? Ahem, excuse me, it’s time to get in the car- go.

The accident incident had me thinking about other little nuggets of obvious, yet helpful parenting advice I’ve accumulated over the years from my peers and those that have been doing this motherhood gig a lot longer than me. Some of my favorites include:

• They are not going to go to college with a pacifier in their mouth. Eventually they will be potty-trained, sleep in a big kid bed, and not say adorable things like “ba-ssert” instead of dessert so gently lead in the right direction, but don’t stress.
• Relax about weird toddler food habits. Yes, they are going to cry about the wrong color cup and only eat green beans dipped in ketchup for a week. Stay consistent and don’t push. They’ll eat what you serve when they’re hungry.
• The dryer has a “refresh” button for a reason.
• Don’t be a cruise director. It’s not our job to entertain them 24/7. It’s good for kids to feel bored and learn solve it on their own.
• Your kids don’t care that you can’t dance or sing, so do both with gusto and soak up their happy giggles.
• To keep your favorite foods to yourself, just tell your kids that it’s “too spicy.”

The truth is that a lot of the things I “know” about parenting have come from watching how my parents did it, snippets I’ve heard from friends, and articles I’ve read online, followed by a heck of a lot of personal trial and error. Hearing what has worked for other parents doesn’t guarantee it will work for my family, but the more I know, they more creative I can be with my solutions.

And that is why I am so excited to share something with you today!

Get ready for it…

It’s here!!!

The 2017 Parenting Super Bundle includes great tips on a plethora of topics including putting a stop to picky eating, teaching children to read, homeschooling, potty training (can you really do it in a weekend?) and tips for troubleshooting toddlerhood.

I’m so thrilled that the team at Ultimate Bundles has included my book, A Mom’s Practical Guide to Baby-Led Weaning in their Parenting Super Bundle, which is packed with 80 tools to put the joy in parenting and help tackle some of the most common challenges.

The Bundle is $29.97, and since my ebook alone is normally $14.99, this is a great chance to pick up my guide and 79 (!) other helpful e-resources. I’ve spent the past few weeks combing over all the incredible ebooks, printables, courses, and extras offered and have to give a quick shout out to a few that immediately piqued my interest.

Cooking Around the World by Debbie Madson

Crunch! Put a Stop to Picky Eating and Help Your Kids to Love Veggies by Dr Orlena Kerek

Funny Mom Joke Pack: Make Your Kids Laugh Every Day of the Year by Jill Riley

I Can Teach My Child to Read by Jenae Jacobson

Schooling at Home While Working at Home by Misty Bailey

And then there are also some tangible bonuses that are included in the price including:

BOOKROO! A one month subscription in fact, for FREE. We’ve used this service before and scored some super cute kids books.

and

A one month subscription to Musik at Home, which are music lesson videos for babies through kindergarteners streamed right to you at home.

The Bundle is $29.95, and since my ebook alone is normally $14.99, this is a great chance to pick up my guide and 79 other helpful e-resources.

You can get your Bundle now at this link (and please note that it is an affiliate link, so I’ll make some money when you purchase, but the cost is the same to you).

If you want to learn more about my book before you buy, all of the details are available here.

The offer is only available through Monday, August 14 so don’t hesitate!

If you have any questions about the bundle, ask away, and for giggles, I’d love to hear your favorite pearls of obvious parenting advice in the comments below!