Does anyone out there really know how?

You are NOT the only one to feel that way! The only way you really get being a mother 'right' is when your kids have grown into healthy,well-rounded, self-sufficient individuals. My kids were fighting so often I would send them outside so they wouldn't break anything and I could watch the 'show' in safety. You just have to love them (maybe not their actions, but always love the child) and handle each one as an individual. I could do time-out with one but another would just use the time to plot more trouble. They don't give us manuals, so I don't believe there is really a 'right' way to raise kids. As long as they can function in the adult world well and not be axe murderers, I feel as though I did OK.

Don't worry, I think you're not the only one feeling that way. I just became a mom 7mos ago and I think it gets tougher everyday. There maybe guidelines and tips to help us but we know the best for our children, instincts tells us. I may not give you the best advice but would just like to share the tips I got from others, just be there for them and enjoy each stage of your children although it's so frustrating at times.

Before I was a parent, I worked for a lawyer. I thought that was the most stressful and challenging job ever...HA! Was I ever wrong! Being a parent has got to be the hardest job on the planet. You get no instructions, no manual on how to raise them the 'right' way. Sure, there are a lot of child experts out there with tons of books and articles and advice...but every single child comes into this world different from the rest, what works for one, doesn't mean it will work for the other. Every child and every situation is unique. As parents, we just have to rely on our best judgments and instincts and do the best we can do. Have a ton of faith. Maybe just knowing that there are no 'perfect' mothers (or fathers) will help you. We all struggle to make the best decisions we can for our children, and are often times left feeling like we didn't do the best we could have done. In a way, I believe that does make us good parents, because if we weren't worried about doing a good job that would mean we just don't care and how good can a parent be who doesn't care?

You are not the only one to feel this way. I relate to it all. I think as long as your kids are healthy and being taken care of to the best of your ability then you are a great mother. All the stress, worry, fights and arguments are all just a part of parenting. Just keep on keeping on. It is easier said than done.