I’m no professional, but here’s a few things I’ve learned as Archer’s mama! He turned 4 over Spring Break and I’m finally coming up for air but we had so much fun celebrating him this past week. Here are some birthday pics I got of him and the family.
Things were really hard with Archer when he was a toddler. It seemed like he woke up on the wrong side of the bed every single day and no matter how patient you were with him- nothing we did was ever right. This was so draining as a parent and even hard on my marriage. It was so hard for us to find happiness in our days with constant tantrums and fits… but wow have things changed. Archer has really blossomed over the past few months and we are finally getting to enjoy his sweet & funny personality. He’s still stubborn and independent (& don’t get me wrong I think those are qualities that will work in his favor as he gets older) but now we can really communicate with him and he understands what’s happening around him a little more. Overall life has been much easier lately and I’m thanking God for getting us through the thick of it.
Here are some things I’ve learned as Archer’s mom over the past 4 years:
- Boys typically have a lot of energy so encourage them to get out of the house and explore! Archer loves playing any sport with a ball and finding bugs. HA!
- Encourage open communication. Boys tend to burry their feelings and I NEVER want my son to feel like he can’t talk to me about something that’s bother him. I usually get on his level, validate his feelings and talk about how we can find a solution.
- Let them help! This one has always been hard for me because I don’t like messes haha but Archer is a BIG helper and loves to be involved. He tends to want to help Blake most of all and loves tools and yard work. When kids are included in helping with big tasks it builds their confidence.
- Model patience. When Archer was younger this was especially hard for us because he’s very independent and very stubborn, but as he has gotten a little older he watches how we react to situations and as our patience got better, his patience did too.
I love this little boy so much and I’m beyond grateful that I get to experience motherhood with a son. Archer wakes me up everyday with a big kiss right on my lips and my heart wants to burst every time. I cannot wait to see that amazing things this boy with achieve with all that resiliency and independence in him.
