As a parent, you're hardwired to look out for the best interests of your children. Daily, even hourly sometimes, you dispense advice meant to make your little ones' lives a little easier. Well, here are a few compelling reasons to practice what you preach.
Mother knows best!
You know what you're talking about
When I was in school, I kicked myself after virtually every test because, inevitably, there was always at least one question I missed due to changing my original answer. And, inevitably, my mom would tell me, "Always trust your first instinct." Now, I tell the same thing to my kids, and sometimes it helps to take a step back and utter the words like a mantra to myself. How many times do I start to tell my kids one thing and then waffle before opting to go another route... only to then wish I'd stuck to my guns? There are few things more finely tuned in nature than a mother's instinct — trust yours.
Bunions really are
bad news
Nobody is saying you've got to shelve your stilettos for good, but here's the rub: According to the American Osteopathic Association, prolonged wearing of heels can lead to all kinds of long-term issues like ingrown toenails, tendon damage, muscle shortening and, yes, bunions. Bottom line? You tell your kids to wear 
comfortable shoes, and you should, too. Try on a pair of Seacoast sandals from EasySpirit's explore24 collection for size… your footsies will thank you for life.
You really can be anything you want to be.
When you were little and sitting on your daddy's lap, didn't he always tell you that you could be anything you wanted to be? And don't you now tell your bright-eyed babies the same thing? When you're young and innocent, it's easy to believe those words and mentally cycle your future self through every occupation from cowboy to brain surgeon. As a parent, though, you can feel so bound by a sense of responsibility and practicality that you forget the starry-eyed aspirations you had as a child. Just remember — it's never too late to follow your dreams.
You can't live on soggy Cheerios and PB&J crusts
We constantly tell our kids to eat their fruits and veggies, but did you know that nearly two-thirds of Americans don't meet the minimal guidelines for fruit and vegetable consumption? According to a study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, most adults eat fruit fewer than twice a day and veggies fewer than three times a day. As a mom, you're used to putting your needs on the back burner and subsisting on the slivers of whatever is left over after your family has their share — whether that be sleeping precariously perched on two inches of mattress or skipping a real lunch in lieu of polishing off your kid's half-masticated macaroni. Being a mom is hard work... you need the nutrients from fruits and veggies to keep you firing on all cylinders.
You're the best example your kids can get
There are lots of clichés that work here — seeing is believing, practice what you preach, etc, etc, etc. The truth is, no matter what the exact advice is you're doling out to your kids, the best reason to follow it yourself is because your kids are watching your every move. Ultimately, if they see that you believe in what you're telling them and that you're living the advice out loud, so to speak, they'll believe it, too. It will make them better people, and c'mon, it'll make your life more enjoyable as well. After all, you tell your kids the things you do because you want the best for them… you deserve the same consideration.
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