2013's Best Mother's Day Memes and More

"The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new." Rajneesh

Mommy-Morphosis celebrates motherhood daily, but I couldn't let our special day pass without a special post! Motherhood is a journey and we all do it differently. On Mother's Day not only am I eternally grateful for my own loving Mommy and Grandmas, but also thankful for my little ones. Having children changed my life and they are honestly the best thing to ever happen to me. For every mother/child relationship there are unique joys and (labor) pains, but we all want one thing - to make sure our children grow up to be healthy, happy and wise individuals. It's the only job in the world where, when done right, there are no days off. Here's to all of us who put in the love and hard work 365 days a year!

I've collected  my favorite quotes and images floating around the web this Mother's Day. Enjoy, have a laugh and give yourselves a pat on the back for a job well done.

1. We're pretty amazing right?

2. Not a fair trade, but it's worth it.

3. Don't mind if I do. #1 on next year's gift wish list.

4. A pretty succinct job description :-)

5. Shhhh, your secret's safe with me.

6. Celebrate Mom whether near or far.

7. If you made it through the day without hearing any of these questions you aren't playing fair.

8. Not sure if I'm qualified for this position...

9. It's about choices. Everyday. And we all mess it up sometimes ...

10. Get off the computer and call your Momma!

*Disclaimer - I did not create any of the above images. The words in the pictures are not my own, only the captions. Y'all know how the internet works... I couldn't find the original sources if I tried. Whoever the creators are we thank you! 

The world is "safe and good"? I don't think ...

How do you teach your children to believe that the world is safe and people are good, when you know that's not true? This isn't a "how-to", I have no tips today. In fact, I'm asking my readers to help me make sense of this conundrum.

Always an optimist, always finding the positive in people - that's me. Always imaging the best case scenario admist dire circumstances, that has been my modus operandi. My bright eyed outlook comes from faith, personality and my personal experience that even when things are shaky, more often than not they work out to the advantage of all involved. Time and life lessons have dimmed these beliefs over time. At one point I thought life was fair; into my twenties I realized that wasn't true at all. The most generous of us often lose what we hold most dear, opportunites slip through our fingertips and people most deserving come up short time and again. Dastardly individuals lie, cheat and steal to get ahead. They receive the rewards, recognition and can go unchecked for a lifetime. The world has proven to be a dangerous, volatile place, but we can't keep our children home, safe in our arms forever. It is our duty to make them aware of how much they are loved and protected, that they don't live in fear. Undeniably, we'd go to extremes to keep them from harm; but they must go to school, to places of worship, to sporting events, etc. They ride in cars, buses, trains and airplanes. They visit residences of people we trust, but how well do you ever really know another person? How can we teach them to build relationships with others when it's so hard to determine who deserves our countenance?

In recent years our nation, and countries across the globe, have witnessed horrific tragedy and violence. The 911 terrorist attacks, foreign and domestic bombings, unprecedented natural disasters, daily gun violence on city streets and inexplicable evil purported by sick individuals. Life is as fragile as always, but appreciation of it is disappearing. This week has been exhausting for me, like a wake up call brought on by a bucket of cold water. I'm afraid I've taken off my rose colored glasses for good. My belief that good will prevail, kindness is reciprocated and justice can be served is fading. However, my faith remains firm. My dedication to my family is stronger than ever. My duties to love and protect the innocence of my children has been invigorated. Nonetheless, I stand at a crossroads unsure whether it's in their best interest to view the world as I did at their age, or to begin making them aware, bit by bit, of the uncertain times we live in.     

PolitiKids: Introducing your Children to the Political Process

As election day approaches, eligible voters across the United States will head to the polls to cast their votes in the federal, state and local races. I've been actively engaged in keeping up with this year's tumultuous presidential election and simply by proximity my kids have gotten interested. I'm my family's resident political analyst, flooding my social media timelines with opinions and funny memes. I look forward to debates like my husband does Manchester soccer matches. Even though they're little, both under 5, I think it's important to introduce them to the political process, especially concepts of social justice and the knowledge that their voice matters. This week I'm sharing a few tips on how to raise pint sized politicos!

1. Start with the basics: Define terms.
What is an election? How do you vote? Why is it important?
If possible, try to keep your own divisive ideologies out of it. For kids younger than middle school age I don't think you need to address party affiliation. Explain what a President does. Governor, Mayor, State Representative, Congressperson, etc. My Kindergartener has been memorizing the 44 POTUS' since he was three. We have a cool place mat that helps him have fun with it. Make a local connection. Perhaps you'll speak more about figures that hail from your home state. Being in Illinois we talk a lot about Lincoln and Obama.

2. Stress the importance of equality
Explain that all votes matter. Save the electoral college discussion for later. Whether you are male or female, no matter your age, level of education or ethnicity help your child understand that being politically aware and active is their civic duty. Beware of using gender specific language. Just because we have yet to elect a female or Latino president tell your child it is possible - they may even become the first.

3. Skip the Cynicism 
Political opinions are often polarizing and controversial. Nix the sensationalizing and table the cynicism. We want to teach our children from a position that is unjaded. Politics, values and personal philosophies are certainly interwoven, but we must start with basic understanding. Liberals, Moderates and Conservatives alike believe in the principles of freedom and justice for all. Introduce a sense of democracy to your children in it's purest form. Treasure the innocent way they view the world and support their belief in fairness.

4. Lead by example
As their primary role models we must "show" more than we "say". Discuss domestic and foreign affairs with adults in the presence of your children; let them learn that it's OK to respectfully disagree with friends and family. Become involved with the school board, participate in neighborhood planning or volunteer for your candidate of choice. Take them to vote with you if possible. Let them admire the scores of citizens who participate. The idea is to demonstrate that one person can make a difference in the world around them; by getting involved they can impact their environment in a positive way.

5. Student Government and Extracurriculars
When the time comes, talk to your child about running for a student council post. This can give them an opportunity to truly understand what if means to be an elected official. Of course, some will win and other will lose. Teach them that this is simply a part of life. Whether or not they are the victor,  encourage them to demonstrate leadership everyday in classrooms, on the playground and after school clubs. This is a lesson in valuing their influence and using it to benefit others.

Which Field Trip Parent Are You?

As you all know I love to be a super chaperone for my son's preschool field trips. On our last excursion I spent as much time studying other parents as I did the Shedd Aquarium's sea creatures. My careful observations led me to classify my peers into five types of field trip parents.

First Timers
It's been so long I can barely remember my first time, but I'm sure I had the same wide-eyed look on my face as a Mom new to field trip duty. They're easy to spot because they're probably slightly overdressed, or disheveled from an unusually early arrival. These are the folks asking for name tags, shocked by the bumpy bus ride and surprised when the brown bag lunches get passed around. Sorry, you eat the same as the kids - turkey on wheat bread, orange slices and generic potato chips. Hopefully by the end of the day these Moms and Dads have made a friend or two, as well as a fun memory with their children.

Mr. No Nonsense
This parent runs a tight ship. Wiggling, giggling and all goofy behavior is strictly frowned upon. While classmates are exploring and having fun, their kid usually has to stay close. Scowls are issued as warnings and any naughty behavior will be quickly corrected with a furious finger wag. Though these parents are great allies when dealing with an unruly bunch, they might need a reminder to let the kids be kids just once in a while.

Big Kids
Usually a Dad who relives his own childhood on these trips. You can find them roughhousing and getting the kids all riled up on the bus, or singing silly songs en route. When you finally make it to the destination this parent will hit the ground running; he or she will be totally hands on with the exhibits. They knock on the aquarium tanks, dress up in the space station and make animal noises at the zoo. Typically a ton of fun, who wouldn't want to spend an afternoon with this parent? Easy to spot by their comfy attire and the swarm of ecstatic kids clamoring for their attention.

Ms. Information
Going on field trips with this parent is like taking an educational jaunt with Alec Trebek. Above all else and by any means, this Mom or Dad is going to make sure we all learn something! The bus ride becomes a Jeopardy game for five year olds. Every fact based placard at the museum will be read, and there will probably be a pop quiz at lunch. Ms. Information isn't usually as stuffy as she seems, don't fault her for being smart. Encourage this parent to let the teachers lead the lessons, put the map down and have a little fun!

Photojournalist 
This parent is focused on snapping photos of their offspring in their natural habitats. Their fancy camera is always poised and ready to capture the next Kodak moment. A child's max field trip attention span is about 15 seconds, so you only get one chance to get a great shot before Jr. looks away or darts off. Organizing a group picture is more difficult than wrangling a herd of wild horses. This parent and their pursuit of the perfect image is commendable. Make sure you give them your email address so you get that wonderful picture of mini-me feeding a billy goat or uncovering dinosaur bones.