25 Things I Know Now as a Parent

Through some of my usual blog-stalking, I came across THIS amazing! post, and decided to create my own list. So here goes:

1. It's okay if you admit to your kids that you don't know something. Half the fun of that is getting to look up the answer together.
2. Never underestimate what your children will remember.
3. Create the mood for your family. If you stay calm and positive, chances are your whole home will be, too.
4. You can never have enough "tiki music" dance parties in the living room.
5. Sometimes love really is all you need.
6. Naps can make all the difference, even for parents.
7. If you've said a lot of no-s, try a few yes-es.
8. A ream of paper can be the best present ever!
9. It really is possible to be woken up at 5:30 every morning and still survive.
10. My children are not miniature versions of me. Each is so uniquely their own person.
11. Having a mini survival-kit (crayons, paper, etc.) for restaurants or doctor's offices can save the universe.
12. Watching TV is okay, and can even be very educational (especially during summer "hibernation" in the desert)!
13. If you overreact, especially in anger, apologize.
14. An outing to the dollar store when your kids are young can be as exciting as Disneyland.
15. Even if you've seen Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and The Little Mermaid 100 times each, watch them again - because your child loves them.
16. No matter what you go through as a parent, someone else has been there, too. Don't be afraid to seek the help or advice you need.
17. Asking a child why they just did something never, ever produces a satisfying response.
18. Hearing my kids make each other laugh can sometimes bring tears to my eyes.
19. Your intuition of how something should be done is a better guide than everyone else's opinion about it.
20. Hugs and I-love-you's will never go out of style.
21. Time with Daddy is just as important as time with Mommy.
22. Celebrate every new skill your child learns. One of those skills may turn into a passion.
23. Listen to your kids. I mean, REALLY listen. They deserve it.
24. One small compliment can make a HUGE difference.
25. Write down and cherish all the words your kids still haven't mastered (hangamer = hamburger, hostable = hospital). Before long, you won't be hearing them anymore.

Feel like you could make your own list? I'd love to see what YOU know now as a parent. Have fun!