What I Learned on Mamapedia.......

i've learned a lot, like things about cold medicines.
but what i like most about this site is that NOW i don't have the need to talk to anyone as much as i used to. we have moved sooooooo many times, but I now don't have the need to 'go out' and make friends. if i need to hear someone's thoughts, struggles, fun stuff etc, i come here and 'read' you guys. i also post w/personal stuff, and i realize that, but i do it because being lonely is not a great feeling, although i don't feel lonely anymore because of this site.

I've learned that mamapedia is more addictive that FB! I LOVE this site.

Truly though, learning that there are other moms out there that may be going through or have already gone through a similar situation is enough. You learn that you are not alone.

All of you other mommies are great! Hugs to all for the flowers and for making me feel like I am not crazy!

I just learned... that I am not alone... nor a "crazy" Mom... either.
That we ALL go through similar things, with our kids or Husbands or family. That we all have.... icky in-laws or relatives being bossy or situations that are not ideal... or that we are not all full of money and live in bliss.
:)

And that... sometimes, the only time I get "appreciation" or recognition for everything... is from MamaPedia... and all the Moms, that are kind enough to give Flowers. And how that in itself... can make you feel validated and like a normal "nice" person... amidst your kids or Husband who do not always necessarily "appreciate" who you are.... because, being a "Mom"... is a behind the scenes worker.... who is not always seen nor appreciated and we are often "invisible" to the very ones whom we care for daily.

I get more "Flowers" here... than from my own Husband of 13 years!

Its also great... knowing that I am not the only Hamster on a Ferris wheel... going on and on and on in my day, without sanity and with stress! And that others have imperfect kids too... more so on some days than others. And that I am not perfect... but its okay.
I try my 'best'...

all the best,
Susan

I think I've learned that overall, moms everywhere are more alike than different.

I've loved this site for years. I can bug you guys instead of calling my mom 20 times a day. ;)
You were great comforts when I had my last two miscarriages and when I lost my nephew in June. I felt all the virtual hugs you all gave me.
I also learned that you can boil cloves and cinnamon on the stove to make your house smell good too. :)

What helped me is knowing many women would react the same way I did to bizarre situations or people.

I think I would LOVE to see an ignore button so the tacky people's responses would not even seen by me. I have not attracted anyone's negative attention, but I saw others who did. Once a M. really attacks another M., I never read her post again. Life is too short.

i love mama pedia, if you see some of my past postings i use this site to vent as i'm still a new step mom (2 years in the making) and the children i'm a step mom to are in their teens i at times have a hard time with them and when mad about something i cannot control, i vent on here so i don't blow up on them cause it's not their fault. I'm always giving flowers and dont feel the pressure to "hide" how i feel, i may say things bluntly but i try to give advice the way i see it, whether agreed or disagreed in an appropriate manner.

I LOVE mamapedia, constantly tell my husband about posts that my heart truly went out to, like the soldier's gf who just had their first baby and he choked her...my heart truly went out to her and many other posts.

i learned everyone's parenting skills are on different levels, and even if you've never been through a sitiuation as a parent if you went through it as a child, usually i can relate to every post :)

I have learned that there are a lot of great mommies out there that I can get great advice from. I have to say that I am totally addicted, I can't wait for my daily e-mail to start my day off. I have also learned that I need to be careful how I word things because one time my response was not taken the way that I meant it, and it really hurt the persons feelings, which I would never have done on purpose. I learned how to get gum out of my sons favorite shirt, and I have learned a lot of things that had you other great mommies not posted about I would've never thought to ask!! You are all wonderful!!

I've learned that we have to be very careful to be supportive and not so critical! I try to word my posts very carefully. I've learned I can express my opinion carefully without sounding judgemental We need to support each other-when an exhausted new mother complains about lack of support from husband and gets blasted for complaining OMG If we cant get sympathy from other moms who can we get it from?? I'm not going to post what happened in my home today because I need sympathy and I'm not emotionally ready to hear anything less than sympathetic.
But I have enjoyed reading great ideas for crafts and such!

I learned that total strangers can open their hearts to each other and I find this truly extraordinary...that no matter what the question, there is always someone "out there" willing to listen and lend a hand, give a hug, offer support. Amazing.

I learned that we are all very different, yet very much the same.

I love this question. I have learned that even though I may never meet any moms on here I can open up and get great advice. I've learned that just with words you can feel friendship. My life situation I don't feel I can really open up to those around me. My friends are also friends of my sister which she tends to be a source of most of my complaints and frustration - she wants to do EVERYTHING WITH ME and gets offended when I do something without her. When I mention it to my husband he helps but he's quick to protect and get angry at her. Everyone on here has helped me SOOO much sometimes just letting me vent and giving me suggestions abt me time. Yall are some of the few friends that are just mine and I can say whatever without concern of hurting my sister or causing war with family.

I've also learned that there are many moms going through or have gone through the same thing I have which let's me know I'm not alone and not singled out. LOL

1. That there are many mothers like me that have a teenager and years later have are blessed with another baby out of the blue after years of trying.
2. Its great to know other mothers may feel the way I do about a situation or share in the same experiences.
3. Share in our ups and downs or just be plain goofy at times. Hey just cause we are moms doesn't mean we lose our sense of humor.
4. Cool ideas on cleaning, crafts, products, etc.
5. On the flip side I've learned that some mothers need to learn "tact" and realize that attacking others when going through rough spots is not supportive. We have to support one another and learn to listen with an open heart and mind.
6. Overall. love mamapedia. I especially love it because you can make friends in your area or out of state.

oooh I learned that armed with baking soda and vinegar you can pretty much conquer the world!!!

What I haven't learned is....WHAT ARE THE FLOWERS????? How do you give them, see who gave them (what for) and how do you get rid of them?????? tee hee

I've learned that I'm SOOOO glad to be out of the baby stage - so much mixed messages out there about vaccinations and lots of other stuff.

I've learned that when we abdicate responsibility for our kids' ethics and morals to the school, church or neighborhood that our society starts a downward spirial that's virtually unstoppable. Whatever happened to personal responsibility? Why did we get so focused on "getting ahead" financially that we've forgotten that the most important things in life aren't things at all - they're people!! I think this site shows me everyday that most of us here feel that people ARE the most important thing and I thank you for that. Gives me hope for our country and world.

And one last thing - for those mamas out there struggling - keep on keeping on - this stage will pass before you know it and you'll just WISH you could go back to it!!!! ha ha ha ha ha

Okay I just learned that I can send flowers, LOL!! I also found great advise on potty training!!

This is probably not what you had in mind, but I have learned that most women don't use their common sense or intuition any where near enough. God really did give mothers intuition about their families and we should be brave enough to use it.

Love this post! The most important thing I've gotten from mamasource *then mamapedia* was the name of my naturopath. I was going through major hormonal issues, and my OB wouldn't test for menopause since I was only 27, regardless of family history. Those ladies at my naturopath's office have changed my life and my family (2 babies since after trying for YEARS). I've also decided to study it myself, which is wonderful b/c I could never find what I really wanted to do with my life.
OK, other little things are reminders that I'm not alone. I know that mentally, but really feeling it is a different story. I get that here.