I have 4 kids. They are my greatest accomplishment and my greatest trial at times. No one can frustrate you as quickly or thoroughly as a belligerent child. Throughout the 7 years I have been a mother, I have discovered many new and interesting things that I didn't know before. When I talk to other parents about these things, they have often discovered them as well through their child-rearing activities. Why is it that no one tells you these things before you have kids?

I thought I would be horrified to hear my own kids swear. If you have ever heard a 2-year-old swear, though, you may have had the same reaction I do. I have to try so hard not to laugh out loud so I can sternly reprimand my kid and tell them that is a bad word to say. It doesn't always work, as little kids say things differently. They swear with such an innocent, naive look on their faces that it's hard not to bust up laughing. They often use the words out of context, or just copy what they heard. I heard my own mom and my friends' moms tell us plenty of times not to swear, but no one ever told me that it's incredibly funny to hear your own toddler swear at you.

I was never told that I would clean more food off of my baby, the floor, high chair, and the walls, than what my baby ever ate.

No one thought to share with me the fact that waking up in the middle of the night doesn't magically end at 1, or 2, or 3, or maybe ever.

I want to share what I have learned with others. Visit my blog at www.guidetokids.blogspot.com to see more.