Motherly

How to live a good life: A recipe for my kids

6. I hope you get to know people who are different from you.

It’s priceless —16-month-old

Your worth is far beyond what you know. Motherhood demands a lot of you. You've given up mornings sleeping in. Your money. Your freedom. In fact, it's hard to find an area of your life that you haven't sacrificed once your child was born. And yet—you wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Ellevest provides investment advice tailored to the needs of dynamic women like you—because you can't put a price on financial security. Toddler this week: An independent streak is emerging. Try this: Encourage independence as much as you can. Mealtimes might be messier and tasks might not get done the 'right' way, but your child will build the confidence to (one day!) do these small things for herself. It's worth the extra effort now. Promise.

It’s all good —16-month-old

Mom life is the best life. On the one hand, you don't want your little one to ever get any bigger than she is right now. On the other hand, the idea that she will one day be potty trained = , amirite?!?! All you can do is take it one diaper change at a time. What a big girl!XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Little ones grow so fast, which is why we love Primary.com's approach to kids clothes. Soft, high-quality fabrics in simple colors and classic designs. The affordable price is the very best part. Baby this week: Your little one shows interest in doing things his way. Try this: Let him help you out during his bath—rub in his own shampoo, put the toys back in the basket and say bye bye! to the water.

Now hear this —16-month-old

May your coffee be strong and your eyeliner even. Motherhood looks amazing on you. You are our hero. The sacrifice is worth it. The snuggle is real. In the midst of the momlife madness, you can sometimes forget just how beautiful and powerful it all is. But we're not forgetting, mama. Every single day, you show up. And that means that you are amazing.XO, TeamMotherlyP.S. This Stila eyeliner can withstand toddler smudges, stressful meetings, bath time splashes and even hot yoga class. Baby this week: Your baby starts jabbering away, and sometimes real words come out! Try this: Engage your toddler in conversation and mimic her tones. Follow her interests no matter what they are—a toilet paper roll! an exciting spoon!—to help her connect with you and her world.

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My love —16-month-old

Do all things with love. Bacon is our love language. Slobbery kisses make us feel adored. John Legend gives us the feels. Motherhood lets you experience a depth of love like no other. How lucky are we to have this love. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. The Forest Feast, Love + Lemons + the Weelicious cookbooks give us all the food inspiration we need to cook fresh family meals we all love. Baby this week: Your little one loves to imitate your behaviors. Try this: A standing stool lets your little helper "cook" or wipe down the counters next to you in the kitchen. Also: get your camera ready, because it's the cutest.

Some days you win —16-month-old

The only person you should be better than is the person you were yesterday. 

Yes or no ⁉️—15-month-old

My hairstyle is called, “I have kids." Yes! You showered! No: Your toddler threw up on you immediately after. Yes! Sexy time. No: Someone just woke up and is screaming "mama!" Yes! Momlife is hard. No: We wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Yes! Living proof dry shampoo is just what the hairstylist ordered. Baby this week: Your tot might starting using one-word commands like, "NO!" Try this: Trying saying "no" less yourself—instead guiding your child away from dangerous or bad choices. "The oven is hot, please stay away" and "Keep your cup on your high chair." Less "no!" from you, less "no!" from your tot.

Life in color —15-month-old

Broken crayons still color. Ahh, the joys of toddler life. Messes everywhere. Gleeful grins in the bathtub (so. much. splashing.) And lots of slobbery, snuggly kisses for mama. It's not perfect, but it's perfectly beautiful. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Adult coloring books + a glass of wine + Carla Bruni on Spotify = our happy place. Baby this week: Your little one can scribble and might start reaching for your pen! Try this: Indulge that little artist with toddler crayons—made for chubby little hands.

Make my day —15-month-old

Go ahead, make my day. Parenthood can stress a relationship. In fact, most couples report decreased marriage satisfaction in the years after baby is born. Take note: IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY. With a little bit of work (and some expert guidance), parenthood can bring you even closer. And we hope it also brings you more help around the house, because mama needs some clean laundry.XO, TeamMotherlyP.S. Baby this week: Your toddler loves going on stroller rides and looking at the world around. Try this: Can you commit to one 20-30 minute walk each day this week? Easy exercise for you, lots to explore for your tot.

Keep up, mama ☕️—14-month-old

Maybe she's born with it—maybe it's caffeine. Open. Closed. Up. Down. Over. Under. Your little one is fascinated by how the world around her works, which is adorable—and exhausting. Make sure you are fueled for the journey: get enough sleep, stay hydrated (does coffee count?), and shower every (other?) day. Your little one needs her mama to keep up! XO, TeamMotherly P.S. We love this water bottle + tracker to help you stay hydrated throughout the day. Drink up! Baby this week: At this age, children fascinated with switches, knobs and buttons. Try this: Busy boards are sure to provide hours of switch-flicking entertainment. (Make sure to supervise!)

All my people —14-month-old

Find your village. Love them hard. For many women, motherhood is profoundly lonely. Getting out of the house is just plain hard. Your work schedule keeps you from socializing. And your new roommate goes to bed at 7 pm which makes it difficult for you to escape at night. Know this, mama: It takes a village, and you deserve one. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. "Be my friend?" Meetup lists thousands of moms groups around the country (and the world.) Find one near you. Baby this week: Your child knows the names of his caretakers and close family and friends—even if he can't say all of them. Try this: Play 'the name game' with your little one. Gather a few loved ones around your toddler and point to each. Ask, "What's her name?" Grandma!

Right where you are ‍♀️—14-month-old

Coffee. Yoga pants. World domination. When you have a child, you've got the whole world in your hands. The future? Well it lives in your house. But there's a long and windy road from teaching your child how to put on her own pants—to launching an independent young adult out into the world. So rest up for the journey, mama. It's going to be a beautiful ride. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Our favorite yoga pants. Ever. Baby this week: Climbing suddenly becomes very appealing. Try this: Put those new moves to good use at a mommy + me class (we love My Gym), and be sure to babyproof your own house.

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