My first baby was born just days after one of his cousins. While we were both pretty wrapped up in our new babies, I distinctly remember one conversation I had with my sister-in-law soon after giving birth. Both of us were riding that unique roller coaster of emotions that comes from being new parents. We were exhausted, exhilarated and a little insecure about what we were doing.
As we chatted she told me that she had recently spoken to her and my husband's aunt on the phone. As she explained to her aunt that she struggled when her new son cried, her aunt said, “He's still learning how to be a baby and you're still learning how to be a mom.”
Those words have stuck with me for the last four years. Over time, I've realized that my babies have taught me how to be a mom. As newborns, they helped me find my softer, gentler side to aid in soothing them and keeping them happy. As developing babies, they helped me dig deep and find that nurturing core that only wanted what was best for both of them.
Bringing Haiden to daycare 90 days after he was born required me to find strength to deal with emotions I didn't know existed. Although it was planned, finding myself pregnant 3 months after giving birth made me embrace my hormones, my up-and-down “Am I crazy?” feelings and figure out how to overcome some deep fears. Quitting my job a year later to stay home with both of my little ones required even more strength to find the courage to do what I wanted and needed to do for my family.
I thought I was on my way to “having it all” before I had kids. Now, I realize I was only a fraction of the person I used to be, and I had no idea what “it all” was.
Being a parent has taught me everything about what's important in my life, and it truly has helped me find my own ideal balance of softness and strength.
An Ideal Balance of Softness and Strength™. Angel Soft® gives your family the right quality at the value you love. For a limited time, Angel Soft is offering a great printable coupon to save $0.55 on a pack of 4 double rolls or larger of Angel Soft toilet paper! Go to Facebook and print your coupon today.
Disclosure: This article was provided by Georgia Pacific. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.
amanda says
would love to not have to buy toliet paper!
thanks
Diana says
We don’t use anything except Angel Soft!!!
Alyssa H says
It means that I can help others, and be firm when I need to be, while still be loving and kind!
Kristin says
Very few brands meet my husband’s high TP standards. Angel Soft is the most economical so it is the brand we use most often!
Kim says
Thanks for the giveaway!! Angel Soft is great.
Sarah says
It’s great to use for our recently potty trained daughter as it cleans her well but isn’t rough/hard if we had to wipe a few times.
Michelle H. says
I believe in demonstrating a balance of softness and strength in my parenting style. As to toilet paper, quality is important to my family.
keesha says
Ideal Balance of Softness and Strength means loving my family with all my heart and at the same time being a strong hard working mother and wife.
tracey byram says
A soft voice takes the sting out of being admonished for wrongdoing.
Beth D-C says
What a great item to win during toilet training!!
Jessie C. says
Ideal Balance of Softness and Strength means take some me time
April R. says
Winning a year supply of tp would be AWESOME!!!! 🙂
Elena says
I think that both softness and strength is important in raising kids and teaching them to be good people
Lynne says
This would be awesome!
Mary Happymommy says
It means being firm with discipline yet soft in terms of expressing love.
Serena S says
It means providing the best that I can for my family.
Evelyn says
It means strong enought to use but soft enough to not scratch and soothes
Jessica To says
It means that you can be firm but still be nice about it.
Happi Shopr says
To me it means being strong yet gentle in all things in life
meredith says
Its like being a great parent – with a balance of being strong and gentle to deal with lifes problems and raise great kids!
Karen R says
I think it means that your child knows that yo discipline them but you still love them no matter what.
Debra Hall says
i think growing up knowing that certain things are always the same nakes a child feel safe and happy
rebecca shockley says
It means feeling free and fresh, that’s what it means to me
Kari says
This would be such a blessing!
Carolsue says
It means giving your family the best there is — and being firm and strong!
courtney b says
my daughter has super sensitive skin so it would be very important
latanya says
unconditional love and knowing when to be strict and when to be lenient
Heather Hayes Panjon says
Strong And Soft At All The Right Moments 🙂
Jessica S says
Loving everyone equally!
Jessica says
The perfect balance of soft and strong means knowing when to be cuddle and when to be strict
Renee F says
softness mean everything in your house with my DD potty training!
Julie Schultz says
Thinking about potty training my 1 1/2 year old, could use some TP!
Erica Best says
knowing when to give in and when to stay strong and hold ur ground.
Phyllis says
Angel Soft is our household favorite!
Ann says
To me Softness and Strength in parenting means knowing when to be firm to keep your babies safe, but in a gentle way. Snuggles are always a must! 🙂
Christina says
Ummm, I’m not sure if you’re referring to tp or my parenting style, but I believe balancing the right amount of firmness/strength with a softer side works for both! My family will respect me as a wife and mom and they’ll have clean bums, too 🙂
Kimberly Bauer says
You can have a strong personality but be the kindest person in the world.
Kristin says
It means being loving to others and having strength to face difficult times.
Sharon says
it means balance in life, not stubborn, not a doormat, but well rounded
julie says
It has to be soft, yet sturdy. = kind yet focused
jmatek AT wi DOT rr DOT com
kresta says
It means strong enough to use, but soft enough that it doesn’t “hurt” the bum. This is a great giveaway!!!
clarissa says
you have to have the strength, as a parent, to administer discipline and readjusting to your children yet the softness to do it kindly
Jennifer Marie says
I think it’s important to show children your love for them, but at the same time letting them know that there are rules.
Athena S says
Being loving and nuturing but let them know their are rules that they must follow
Katy P says
Being able to be a strong parent- yet letting my children feel secure in my love for them.
Laura Jacobson says
I think we all need strength, but the softness is equally important! The two just would not work without each other!
David Carlson says
It means finding a balance in everything we do and doing everything in moderation.
Becky Richied says
The ideal amount of softness and strength, means everything especially when speaking of tissue, because comfortability is everything to prevent any uncomfortability later.
Sherri Lewis says
It means being strong and capable when you need to be, but also being loving and supportive
Amanda Sakovitz says
it means being strong and supportive for your family and loved ones.
David says
Firm yet approachable.
Jamie says
I think as a parent you have to balance both of those qualities. You need to raise your children to be kind and with a gentle hand, but you also need to know when to step in and be strong and set boundaries.
Thomas Murphy says
To me as a parent, it means knowing when to be soft and gentle but being firm when you need to be.
Ally says
It means no more struggle with potty training!
amy rouse says
raising your family with a loving heart but a firm hand
Ruth says
With 11 people in one house it sure would make a world of a difference in not having to buy toilet paper even for a month. It would save this household lots!! 🙂