As mothers our jobs are hard enough. We are built-in maids, chefs, doctors, professional snugglers and array of other things. We put everyone else first and often forget to do things for ourselves. However, through all of the chaos and craziness there are thirteen things we, as moms, need to STOP doing:

1. Shaming other moms

We're all doing the best we can; you're doing the best you can. Just remember that and let's stop the so called "Mommy Wars."

2. Comparing ourselves

Yeah, you- the one that just stalked that mom blogger and wished you had her life. Don't do that. We all have our own battles to fight, joys to feel- they're individual and our own, so enjoy yours! The comparing game isn't worth it.

3. Forgetting to take care of ourselves

We matter, even if it might not seem like it somedays. So go get your haircut, shave your legs, or have a girl's night; you deserve it.

4. Body shaming

Quit looking in the mirror and picking apart your entire body. You're beautiful, strong, and a mom- rock that!

5. Buying our babies everything

Wait, wait, wait, before you get all stressed out- ask yourself: how many times do you go to the store to grab yourself a shirt and walk out with 5 new pieces of clothing for your babe and none for you? Yeah, that. Get yourself a stinking shirt; trust me, your babe probably has enough clothes.

6. Mom guilt

Mom guilt is the WORST, so why do we even spend time on it? Exactly- just forget about it. Remember: we're doing the best we can, and it's not worth feeling guilty over.

7. Apologizing for a dirty house

How many times have you said, "I'm so sorry my house is such a mess!"

I can't even count on my fingers how many times I've said that phrase. Here's the thing though, we all say it, which means we all have toys on the floor and dishes in the sink. It's one of the glories of being a mom. One day you'll probably miss it. So embrace the messy and quit apologizing for it!

8. Feeling bad for wanting alone time

It's okay to take an hour for yourself. Your husband, a family member, babysitter, or whomever you trust, can handle the kids for that time. Don't feel bad about it, just enjoy "you" time and relax!

9. Thinking others have it all together

Well, we don't!

10. Putting off your dreams

It might be a reach; it might be really hard or a lot of work to do with kid(s), but guess what? You CAN do it. Follow your dreams, accomplish your goals, and include your babies in them now.

11. Being your own worst critic

Don't be so hard on yourself. Don't worry about your hair, your house, or your parenting- just enjoy it. You're amazing, and you're doing better than you think, so quit focusing on the negatives! Cut yourself a break.

12. Taking everything on yourself

Don't be afraid to ask for help, in fact just ask! You're not a superhero (as much as we all wish we were). We need help every now and again, so just ask for it. Give tasks to those around you and stop trying to do it all.

13. Stressing over every little thing

You know the thing you were SO worried about last month? It worked out didn't it? And if it didn't- that's okay. Stressing about it only made it worse, and you're going to get through it now. Moral of the story: stress only makes things harder. Let's just wave goodbye to it.

The post 13 things mothers need to stop doing appeared first on FamilyToday.

When you think back to your childhood, what's the first thing that comes to mind? Generally it's all the fun, adventures, and crazy things you did!

We think the littles in your life now should be able to experience those fun adventures too. So we put together a list of 40 adventures your kids need to have before they grow up:

1. Play Hooky

Just one day when they're not sick, to stay in bed, watch movies, eat popcorn and skip all the hustle and bustle of school!

2. Pull an all-nighter

Though they may not make it all night, it's the thought that counts! Grab those blankets, pile up in front of the TV in the living room, and let them attempt to "party" all night.

3. Get outdoors and go camping

Grab your sleeping bags, tent and go sleep outside under the stars.

4. Toilet Papering

Pick a friend (that'll laugh at it), grab all of the rolls of toilet paper you can find and let them at it.

5. Get dirty

Play in the mud, the rain, or have a food fight, but don't you dare worry about ruining your clothes.

6. Go to Disneyland

Spend the whole day laughing, riding rides and chasing down characters.

7. Make a family tree

Grab butcher paper, markers and make a fun family tree to teach them about their ancestors.

8. Christmas caroling

Put those jackets on, let your littles choose their favorite Christmas song and sing away to your neighbors and friends.

9. Jump in puddles

Rain boots on, run outside and splash around.

10. Go to a concert

Who's your kids' favorite singer or band? Make their dreams come true and don't forget to buy a t-shirt while you're there.

11. Swim in the ocean

Don't forget to find seashells while you're there too.

12. Go to a professional sporting event

Put your game face on, and your best team gear, and then get out there.

13. Learn to skip a rock

Go to a nearby lake and make a game out of it.

14. Rope swing

Grab your swimsuit, towel and get ready to have some fun.

15. Road trip

Pack up the car and head out anywhere for the night or even a week.

16. Service project

Teach your kids the act of giving back at a local soup kitchen or service project.

17. Go to work with mom or dad

Every little should experience going to work with mom or dad.

18. Dress like a superhero just because

You may have already experienced this one with your toddler that refuses to take their superman costume off, but if you haven't, make it happen.

19. Start a collection

Find something fun to collect, stamps, rocks, etc.

20. Learn to make something with their own hands

Get in the kitchen, outdoors, you name it—somewhere where your kids can learn to get creative and make things all on their own.

21. Cook dinner

Teach them how to make a meal- pizza, spaghetti, the possibilities are endless. Just don't forget dessert.

22. Sleep out back

Have a trampoline? Perfect! Grab your blankets or a sleeping bag and sleep right outside your house under the stars.

23. Eat all of your Halloween candy

They might regret it later, but hey! We all have to experience it.

24. Lick the bowl after baking

Brownie batter? Yes please!

25. Learn to jump rope

Grab a rope, a couple of friends, and teach them how to jump rope.

26. Play marbles

Masking tape or a hula-hoop and some marbles can keep a kid occupied for hours.

27. Spend the night at Grandma and Grandpa's

This is a must: sleepover with grandma and grandpa and forget any rules.

28. Have a bonfire + roast marshmallows

Do it over the stove or make a fire outside- don't forget the chocolate.

29. Build a fort

Gather together all of your blankets and create the ultimate fort under your kitchen table.

30. Go on a roller coaster

Next time you're near an amusement park, work up that courage and conquer your fears.

31. Have a pen pal

Sign up for a pen pal club, or team up with a long distance friend for your kids to pen pal each other.

32. Play with a puppy

Whether the puppy is from a local animal shelter or one of your own, chase and play with a little puppy.

33. Get a goldfish

To teach your kids how to care for a pet, we suggest starting with a fish.

34. Climb up a slide

They always teach you not to... let them break the rules one time.

35. Climb a tree

Stay close by, but let your kids climb up and see the world from above.

36. Float a river

Grab your inner tube or rafts and get ready for an adventure.

37. Roll down a grassy hill

And don't be afraid to get grass stains on your jeans.

38. Visit a Museum

Learn something new while having fun.

39. Turn your bathtub into a hot tub

Put those swimsuits on, and fill the tub with bubbles and have a blast.

40. Grow a garden

Let them plant their own garden, pick out the seeds and water it every day.

What did we miss? What are your favorite memories from when you were a kid?

The post 40 adventures your kids need to have before they grow up appeared first on FamilyToday.

I've struggled and gone back and forth on whether to write this; to put myself out there and be completely honest and vulnerable. However, after chatting with a friend who is currently going through it, and hearing her say she wishes more people talked about it, I've decided to share my story. Motherhood is unique for every single person; this is my experience and my personal story.

I remember the first day we brought our sweet baby girl home like it was yesterday. We got home and laid her down on the bed, stared at her for a minute through our very sleep-deprived eyes, and then looked at each other with the same thought: "Now what?"

I had dreamt of being a mother my entire life. It took us years to conceive this sweet girl, and finally, she was here. She was in our arms and I was speechless. Speechless that I was a mom — this was the best gift ever — and speechless that I literally had no idea what I was doing.

The entire hospital experience was a blur. I was in pain trying to recover, rocking those fabulous mesh panties they give you, trying to figure out breastfeeding — which was a big struggle for me — and amongst it all, overwhelmed with the happiness and joy such a tiny little human life brought me. I didn't sleep the entire time I was there. I was completely terrified and felt like I needed to watch every move she made. So when we got home everything sort of hit me.

I'm a mother now. I'm in charge of a life forever.

The first few days home weren't bad — mainly because my mom was there to help. She let us catch up on sleep and helped me heal. When the baby was up during the night, she took her and saved my sanity. She and my husband calmed me during panic attacks and gave me strength when I needed it most.

The fact was though, things didn't come easy to me. In fact I struggled quite a bit with almost everything. I couldn't breastfeed to save my life, I worried about every little thing and worst of all I was sad — a lot. The high was over; family had to go back to work, including my husband, and my emotions were everywhere. I still had help during the day every so often, but every minute being alone and most nights, I struggled.

There were days that were so good; amazing in fact. I would get my work done, hold my little girl and feel complete bliss. Then there were days that were the total opposite. I would get frustrated, I would get sad, mad, anxious — every emotion you can imagine in one day.

No one told me this was going to happen.

No one told me that there would be nights when she was crying nonstop and I would get so frustrated I'd feel mad at her. Who gets mad at a 2-week-old? She doesn't know what she's doing and I would never ever do anything to hurt her; but this was hard. No one told me I would have days feeling that this was too much, that I couldn't handle this. No one told me that I would wake up during the night to feed her and be in so much pain I could barely sit up, struggle with breastfeeding, then have to wake up again in an hour and do it all over. I was told all about labor and pregnancy difficulties, but not about after you've given birth.

I felt crazy, literally like an insane person.

The worst part was that I knew what I was feeling; I knew I was sad. I knew that I felt like no one could relate to me, that I was doing all the work and nobody was helping me. But I couldn't stop feeling like that or shut it off. It was the worst feeling in the entire world. Even worse, half of that wasn't true. I did have help. I wasn't doing this on my own and the reality is that lots of moms can relate.

My husband could tell I was down. He always asked me what was wrong. I shrugged him off and ignored it, then went on feeling bad about myself. This should be the happiest time of my life and it's one of the hardest things I had ever done.

I eventually got help. My doctor put me on medicine and my hormones eventually got back in line.

So I'm here to say it's normal. Look what our bodies just did! However, that being said, don't be afraid to ask for help. We all have different experiences with motherhood and we all need to lean on each other and be completely real and up-front. Don't be ashamed and don't be too hard on yourself. The emotions after having a baby and postpartum depression are absolutely real and we can all get through it.

My little one is now six months old and I've gotten the hang of motherhood for the most part, though I'm constantly learning every day. I trust myself and my instincts now. I love her more than I thought possible and I truly can't even imagine my life without her. I don't know how I even did life before she was here; she's my world. All the pain, emotions, mesh panties and no sleep — it was and is completely worth it.

This article was originally published on Positively Oakes. It has been republished here with permission.

The post What the first month of motherhood really looks like sometimes appeared first on FamilyToday.