What Moms Can Learn From Dads About Parenting
Let's hear it for the boys! Dads' approaches to parenting are often quite different than moms' — and that's all to the good for our kids. Here are four fatherly traits MomSpeaker Toni Langdon says moms may want adopt for themselves.
Men often get a bad rap when it comes to parenting (and homemaking), but the truth is we can learn a lot from them!
1. Get silly
Not everyone is born knowing how to play with kids. Just because you don't always know how to relate to kids (or play with them) doesn't mean you're not a good parent. Sometimes, we just need to step out of the box and learn a magic trick, make a funny dance or take silly selfies on your phone with your kids.
2. Compartmentalize
I think the biggest thing we can learn from men is how to compartmentalize and be in the moment. Men don't often hold resentment, juggle 10 things, stay up at night trying to perfect a situation or try to be a rock star every moment. It's OK to not make everything on Pinterest or make $5 from consignment. Sometimes we need to cut our losses.
3. Don't take things too seriously
If you're in Target with your 2-year-old and she throws a tantrum, don't worry about what everyone else is thinking. Do what you need to do and have a sense of humor about it. All parents have experienced this at one time or another. Chances are everyone is thinking "been there," not "she's a horrible mother!" By the way, those thoughts that say "You're a bad mom" should never come into your brain! You need to always tell yourself you're an awesome mom, even if you make a mistake! Be kind to you, mama!
4. Don't take things personally
Men don't take things to heart when their child says "I hate you" or "you're the meanest Dad in the world," so why do moms? Ninety-nine percent of the time children say these things as an attempt to manipulate and get in the driver's seat and often we allow it to pull on our heartstrings.
Toni Langdon is a single mom of two daughters living in Chester County, PA. Toni is a nonstop mom juggling work, parenting and life. She brings a unique perspective while having a black belt in martial arts, a love for fashion and a passion for giving back. This post is adapted from her blog Tickles and Time Outs. 
