Parenting

I'm going to be honest here, this topic is a work in progress. As a mother of a 2 1/2 year old and a 4 1/2 year old, I am still figuring it out myself. I can say, that everyday is an adventure! Being a parent is far more difficult, beautiful, stressful, rewarding, exhausting, inspring and fun than I ever thought it could be. The one lesson I learn over and over and over again is: It is not about me. It's not that I didn't know this already,but as time goes on I realize how every little thing I do affects them. How I eat, dress, speak, watch, and react to life's toughest moments...those little eyes and ears are always right there, absorbing it all like a sponge. Therefore, if I want them to turn out better than I did (because honestly, isn't that what all parents want?) I essentialy have to be..better than I am. Now,I don't mean in a negative way. I just mean that now I paymore attention to the things I put in my mouth and the way I react when someone cuts in front of me. I want my children to grow up to be respectful, polite and healthy...but if I'm not showing them by example, then how will they know how to be all of the above?
  Now if you're reading this while eating a bag of french fries, watching the Godfather, don't sweat it. Because at the same time, kids are resilient. They don't want PERFECT, they just want you. Before I had kids, I used to work in a daycare center. I thought I knew it ALL when it came to raising children. Now that I am a parent, I am proud to say, I know nothing. Everyday I learn something new. So,take a deep breath (I'm talking to myself too) and just love them. Because, really, isn't that the most important thing?