Spots On The Brain – An Interview With Sarah

Spots On The Brain blogger, healthcare manager, wife, and mom

Tell me about your family and your blog?

My name is Sarah and I write a blog called Spots On The Brain.  I got the name by the lovely lesions I have on my brain that have caused some horrendous migraines.  My migraines are now under control so I use the spots on my brain as a handy excuse for my forgetfulness, or other odd comments that may come out of my mouth (It’s not me, it’s the spots).

I’ve been married to James for seven years and we have a 4 year old Lillian.  I not-so-successfully balance a full time career in healthcare management, going to school part-time for my masters degree, losing weight (25 lbs gone so far), and maintaining a happy marriage with opposite schedules- all the while raising a happy child.  My blog documents this all with some hope and humor. At least that’s what I try to do.

What was your biggest challenge being a mom?

Mommy Guilt.  Whether its Lillian giving me a guilt trip for going to work in the morning or the guilt I feel when I drop her off for a date night, mommy guilt has been the hardest thing to cope with.

What are the main things kids do that you wish they wouldn’t?

Whine!

What common mistakes do you see moms making that you wish they wouldn’t?

I really try not to judge but since you asked: Letting your child get away with being a brat.  I was at Chic-Fil-A (they finally opened some in Illinois!) and Lillian was playing in the play area.  One girl pushed another girl a couple of times and when the mother talked to the other mother, mean girl mother only said “I know”.  Discipline your child please.  Make them say “I’m sorry”.

What  are your top 10 tips for moms? 

1. You will never be able to juggle everything.  Something will always fall short so don’t beat yourself up for it. For me, its usually housework.

2. Keep your marriage on the front burner.  Although we don’t get out as much as we would like to, make sure you make time for just the two of you.

3. Breathe.

4. Just because they are “experts” doesn’t mean they know your child.  I have not yet read a parenting book.  I have relied on my instincts and the opinions of parents that I trust.

5. Time outs work.  For both your child and yourself.  If you find yourself losing your temper a bit too often, hide somewhere (the bathroom tends to work) and just give yourself a few moments to decompress.

6. As Lillian gets older, I can’t help but think about how her love for hugs and kisses will not last all that much longer so enjoy them for as long as you can!

7. Never underestimate the power of a bribe. Sure you shouldn’t do it with too much regularity but it does work and can get you out of Target without too much of a breakdown and being “that mom”.  And you will be “that mom” at some point in your life.  You know, the one other people look at and say “I can’t believe that woman is letting her child scream and fall to the floor in the middle of Target”. Yup, I’m at Target a lot.

8. Everyone has their battles.  I was blessed with a little girl who slept through the night early on and will eat pretty much everything you put in front of her.  Jealous? Well, don’t worry, I made up for it during potty training time.  We are STILL having issues with poop.

9. I saw a group of teens going to homecoming a couple of weeks ago. PARENTS – DO NOT LET YOUR CHILD OUT LOOKING LIKE A STRIPPER! SERIOUSLY! I don’t care what’s fashionable. YOU ARE THE PARENT!

10. There are too many tragic tales, no matter how crazy they may make you, remember how blessed you are.

What are your favorite brands and where do you buy them?

Honestly, I have become  a store brand shopper in recent years.  When you have to keep track of finances, you stop caring what name is on the label.  The only brand I can think that I insist on is Always Maxi Pads!  We shop mainly at Aldi and our local fruit/veggie market.

You can read and follow my blog at http://spotsonthebrain.blogspot.com and email me at spottybrain@gmail.com

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