It's time for a Mom Confession -- because, let's face it, we're real mothers and sometimes it doesn't work the way the parenting books say it should.

This Week's Confession: 

I let my son watch way way too much TV. We would do things like go to the park but I don't have a car. — anonymous

It's time for a Mom Confession -- because, let's face it, we're real mothers and sometimes it doesn't work the way the parenting books say it should.

This Week's Confession:

I've given my kid Benedryl to ensure an early bedtime because I just couldn't take it anymore. I needed sleep but I've only done it once or twice and only a small amount. — anonymous

It's time for a Mom Confession -- because, let's face it, we're real mothers and sometimes it doesn't work the way the parenting books say it should.

This Week's Confession:

I give my three-year-old lollipops but she is always supervised. — anonymous

It's time for a Mom Confession -- because, let's face it, we're real mothers and sometimes it doesn't work the way the parenting books say it should.

This Week's Confession:

In comfortable weather, during the day, I let my kids nap in the car in the driveway if they fall asleep on the way home from somewhere. We live in a two-stoplight town with very low crime rates. I park the car in the driveway where I can see it from the house and lock the doors. I go out every five minutes or so to peek in at them and check the temperature inside the van to make sure it's not too warm or too cool for them. But some people (my mom) still think it's terrible that I do this. I check on them so much and they're all locked up that they're probably safer in there than in their bedrooms! -- anonymous

It's time for a Mom Confession — because, let's face it, we're real mothers and sometimes it doesn't work the way the parenting books say it should.

This Week's Confession:

Sometimes I feed my toddler popcorn for dinner.

When my DH is gone and my 2-year old doesn't want what I fix for dinner, I make that 'movie night' as an excuse to give him popcorn instead of trying to get him to eat what I fix! -- 2MonstersxMommy

It's time for a Mom Confession — because, let's face it, we're real mothers and sometimes it doesn't work the way the parenting books say it should.

This Week's Confession:

I'm afraid my husband is going to die.

I'm scared to death that dh will not come home from his next deployment, and I will fall into a horrible depression and turn to drugs or alcohol or something. -- dre_bunny

It's time for a Mom Confession — because, let's face it, we're real mothers and sometimes it doesn't work the way the parenting books say it should.

This Week's Confession:

I don't like being a stay-at-home mom.

I really don't like staying home and can't wait until I go back to work. I am stressed out some days with just one toddler. I stay home because my husband makes good money, so I went back to college. -- Mom2Just1

It's time for a Mom Confession — because, let's face it, we're real mothers and sometimes it doesn't work the way the parenting books say it should.

This Week's Confession:

I have a family, but I'm lonely.

I feel awful even saying this... I have a great husband and three healthy kids, ages 1.5, 3, and 7, but I'm lonely. To my core, I feel lonely. My husband and I don't get much quality time alone together. We're always on the go or exhausted. I have a few girlfriends close by, but we're all busy with our families. When we do get together, it's rushed and not always meaningful. I find myself longing for the days when I felt connected to other adults in a real way. Am I crazy?  -- anonymous

It's time for a Mom Confession — because, let's face it, we're real mothers and sometimes it doesn't work the way the parenting books say it should.

This Week's Confession:

I lie and say I'm "working" to avoid playing.

Sometimes I lie to my 5-year old when he wants me to play and tell him I have to "work" on my laptop -- taylormom82

Photo by Diamondchic

The Pittsburgh Early Childhood Parenting Examiner recently asked its readers to share their favorite part of toddlerhood.

Some of my favorite answers:

"...the unconditional love. No matter how many time outs my son gets, he still hugs me and gives me kisses. There is no hate, just love.”

And this one:

"...listening to my daughter sing the ABC's to herself.”

What's your favorite part of toddlerhood so far?