10 Secrets of Happy Moms

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We all know that mom—the one who doesn't seem phased at all by the mania that is modern parenting. How does she do it? Read on!

Focus on the moment

"It's easy for us to get caught up in our busy lives, to think a lot about the future, and to go over the past with a fine-toothed comb. I'm happiest when I remember that my kids are only this age right now. They're going to be grown up someday (very soon!) and I don't want to look back and remember agonizing over the bills or rushing around to get groceries. I want to remember that afternoon we played play dough and sang songs. Let the dishes sit, let the laundry go a bit, enjoy your babies while they are still babies."—Beth Wankel is a mom of two in San Francisco, California, and blogs at Very Bloggy

Put yourself first

"My life doesn't always revolve around my daughter even though I love that kid so much I can burst into insta-tears any time just thinking about it. It's better for her, and me, to not orbit around her. When she grows up I want her to have a full rich life and know who she is, outside of a husband and kids, etc. I try to set that example. I know that she knows I love her, no question. Even when I'm off running wild in Maui with my girlfriends, she knows. So there's no guilt."—Clare Yeakel is a mom to one in Austin, Texas, and blogs at Life on the C Train

Farts are funny

"If you have boys, farts are funny. If you have girls, farts are funny. If you can't laugh at farts, fake it. The stressful parts are only stressful if you let them so make the decision to enjoy each step, each milestone, and happiness will follow (Says the mom who JUST finished potty training her 4 1/2-year-old!)."—Lizz is a mom to one in the San Francisco Bay Area and blogs at Am I a Funny Girl?

Find your friends

"I don't know what I'd do without good friends! They are always there to bounce ideas off of, share frustration and exasperation, and make me laugh. Just knowing they are there makes me happy!"—Lisa Brewer is mom to four in Central Texas who tweets @TX_Lisa

Don't worry

"I've got two secrets for being a happy mom. First, allowing for lots and lots of extra time for everything. And second, not worrying about what everyone else thinks."—Amber Strocel is mom to two in Vancouver, Canada, and blogs at Crafting My Life

Live the dream

"All I ever wanted to be when I 'grew up' was a mom. Friends thought I lacked ambition but I could think of no greater work to fill my days. Now, as a work at home, homeschooling mother, my lifelong dream is a reality! Since we spend so much time together, we focus a lot on gratitude. By counting the little blessings, we find it easier to let annoyances pass us by. Our favorite quote is posted by each of our beds: "If you want to be happy, be." And for us, it truly is that simple."—Jennifer Brilowski is a mom to two in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, and founder of Soulflash Media Services

Keep your career

"For me, continuing to have a career keeps me a happy mom. It allows me to keep a part of me that's just for me. Then I go home, hug, and roll around with my kids as much as possible. There's an incredible guilt associated with this, but in the end, I'm a much happier momma and I cherish every moment we're together."—Wendy Hynes is mom to two in Boston, Massachusetts, and blogs at Beacon Bits

Learn to laugh

"My secret to being a happy mommy is learning to laugh at myself and enjoy the wild ride. The first time I found poop in my hair at work (OMG, you guys!), I knew this motherhood gig was something special. From waking up to kid feet in my face, to my willingness to spend a small fortune to replace a lost lovie on eBay, to unwelcome boob jabs, rocks in my fridge, and tiny arms wrapped tight around me, motherhood is filed with hilariously perfect imperfection."—Lori Garcia is mom to two and blogs at Mommyfriend

Make YOU a priority

"I don't understand when people say they don't have time for themself with a child and work. You have to make YOU a priority. When my son was two I was teaching full time and going to school. I still managed to have monthly nights out. And at the time my husband was doing shift work! But we made it work."—Mum2One is a mom to one and an active BabyZone Community member

Keep a smile in your back pocket

"Finding the sweet little bits and pieces of your day can all add up to a whole lot worth smiling about. It's handy having a smile in your back pocket to whip out and wear brightly for those crazy moments that life is sure to drop in our path."—Karen Gartner is mom to two in the San Francisco Bay Area and blogs at Time Crafted