Mama Knows Best: for Mothers from Mothers [The Monko from Taming the Goblin]

One thing I’ve learned from the popular From the Mouths of Moms parenting tips series is that every mom, child, and family is different.  And each mom assesses their own unique experiences, values, and circumstances to make the best parenting decisions possible for their own child and family.  Each mother knows best and tries to do her best for her child. 

So why not share and learn from one another; moms helping moms.  Every Tuesday, I spotlight one mama and her “best” tips for mothers on parenting advice, resources, and products.  This week I’m excited to introduce you to one unique mama and creative blogger, The Monko from Taming the Goblin…

Mama Knows Best

 

The Monko from Taming the Goblin

Best Pregnancy or Birth Advice
Expect the unexpected. Don't be upset if it gets way more medical than you wanted, and don't think you have failed if you choose to use drugs for the pain, or end up having a C-section. You will have plenty of opportunities to screw up as a parent later on, how your little one comes into this world is the least likely aspect to send them to therapy as an adult. 

Best Parenting Website
Positive Parenting Connection 
Incredible, thought provoking articles.

Best Blog for Moms
Guerrilla Mom
Irreverent and hilarious.

Best Baby Product
Digital Baby Monitor
It’s expensive but this will stop you from creeping in to their room at night to see if they are breathing. And when they are a bit older this monitor will give you the pause you need to let your little one self settle. You can also see if your toddler is trashing their room.




Best Parenting Advice
Parenting isn't a competition even though it will often feel like it. That doesn't mean you can't be smug when your kid does something awesome and better or faster than other kids - just try not to let the other parents feel crap about it.

Best Parenting Book
Parenting with Positive Guidance: Tools for Building Discipline from the Inside Out
I have read a lot of parenting books, this is the only one I managed to finish. This has all the benefits of Alfie Kohn's Unconditional Parenting but without the loaded, emotive and judgmental language which made me hurl his book against the wall in fury.

Best Children's Book
Meg on the Moon

Best Kids' Toy
Playmobile Fire Engine.
It has tones of tiny pieces so you aren't supposed to give it to kids under 4 years. But we just left off the swallowable bits and gave it to Goblin on his second birthday. It’s his most played with toy by far.

Best Kids’ Game
Hide and Seek



Best Kids’ Craft
Goblin is just under 3 years old so most kids' crafts are really Mummy crafts. He did contribute quite a lot to our windsocks.

Best Outdoor Play Idea
Just a simple walk in the woods. Soooo much to see and do and climb and attack with sticks.

Best Way to Stay Organized
When I find out I'll let you know.

Best Way to Keep a Happy Relationship or Marriage
Marry someone awesome, laugh at their jokes, enjoy their presence and snuggle a lot.

Best Family Outing or Vacation
Walking in the woods again.

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant
Frankie and Benny's

Best Family Meal or Recipe
Shepherds Pie

Best Behavior Management or Discipline Tip
Empathize with your child. Try and understand where the behaviour is coming from rather than just seeing the behaviour. It will help you stay calm and get to the root of it.

Best Way to Spend a Mommy Moment
Sleeping

The Monko is a 35 year old mum of an awesome little toddler, the Goblin. She blogs at Taming the Goblin to share with others some of the fun stuff she does with her two boys (“Hublet and The Goblin”).



Do you have any clever parenting tips or fun kids’ activities?  I’d love to share them with my readers by having you guest post.  Just contact me for more information!

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