“There is no possible way,” said my butter-you-up 11-year old son. I had asked him for suggestions on becoming a better mom. I answered that – of course – we were not talking about me, but that I wanted to help other moms become better mothers. (wink, wink)

I posed my question again, and I asked all four of my children - as well as a few of their friends. “What suggestions would you give to someone who wants to become a better mother?”

“That’s a hard question,” said my 13-year old – even after I had excluded myself from the feedback.

Moms should know their kids’ favorite and least favorite foods. Can you imagine a child opening her lunchbox at lunchtime and – inside – is food she does not like? She won’t eat, according to my children. It is, therefore, essential for moms to know what foods her children enjoy and what foods they do not like!

Play with your kids. So simple and so powerful. We all know how easy it is to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and “ignore” the important things. “Give me one minute.” “Let me just finish this email.” “I’ll play with you after I cook dinner.” “I’m sorry, I don’t have time.” Take time to play. Take time to listen. Let your children know they are valued because they are important recipients of your time.

A happy mom makes a great mom. (7-year old brilliance) What more can I say after that? If you need to hear it again – here it is: Do not feel guilty about focusing on your own self-care.

Moms should be helpful. (Says the boy who likes help tying his shorts tight enough, having his back rubbed when he wakes up every morning, and still appreciates being read to.) Be there for your children – be accessible, supportive, and caring.

At this point in our conversation, my thirteen-year old required more prompting. “If you were creating a robot mom, how would you make it the best mom ever?”

“It would be human. Robots are perfect. Humans are not. So, moms should have some specialties and some flaws.”

The brilliance of children never ceases to amaze me. Their beautiful insights and powerful observations remind us of the pure and gentle way with which we should view life. And, somehow, even I – the world’s greatest mother (according to my children) am now a better mom!