Motherhood is the scariest hood of them all.....

Some days I get overwhelmed with the things motherhood brings. Especially since this little 2 ½ year old is coming into her own. We are in the “I do it myself” stage and starting the attitude that she knows more than me. (Which she probably does) :)  I know the mother/daughter duo of this never really changes but hear me out.

Although she will learn to respect her parents I also don’t want to tame this characteristic she’s acquired because I know that she will use these leadership skills one day for great things. I see how she is a quick learner and a problem solver like her daddy. She is a leader, and is very creative. So although it wears me out most days I will change my parenting angle to help her see how to use these traits in a positive way. To help her learn the healthy balance of it.

Often times we forget how much their reactions are a reflection of how we act. Do we yell when things don’t go our way? Do we get frustrated when we can’t do things? Are we trying to do things for them or helping them learn how to do it themselves? Are we holding them back because we don’t want to lose them? Or do we allow them to become who they want to be?

When we talk to others and ourselves are we positive and uplifting? Or do we talk ourselves and others down? Are we trying to keep them from showing emotions because we cannot handle the fits or do we allow them to have feelings and then teach them how to cope with it?

Our jobs are not only to discipline but to listen and help them become the little humans God created them to be and who they want to be. If you want to learn how to raise your child to be a faith filled, loving, forgiving, strong courageous human then first look at yourself.

We are the voices they hear most of the time. If you want the next generation to be strong, inventive, respectful, and Christ-like you have to show them the way.

So how do we get there? We have to be willing to listen, learn, and tweak ourselves. If not they will become little people who turn bitter and quite because they are afraid to feel, speak up, or take control. They don’t need us to do everything for them or let them have whatever they want. They need to learn by example how to cope, work hard, and how to learn to lose. I was reading “Failing Forward” by John Maxwell and he said that we have to teach our children that failing is ok. Because the only way to be successful is to fail first and then overcome those failures. To learn that it’s a normal part of life but they can overcome this with a positive attitude. But you cannot teach a child this if you’re not doing it yourself. - Pam

"The process of shaping the child....shapes also the mother herself. Reverence for her sacred burden calls her to all that is pure and good, that she may teach primarily by her own humble, daily example." - Elisabeth Elliot

 

So…

Olyvia – Baby girl, I promise to always learn how to be a better momma than I was yesterday. I promise to strive to respond with Grace and love. I promise to help you learn to cope. I promise to do what I tell you to do. I promise that I will posture myself and lead by example. I promise to forgive like God forgives us.

I also am so proud of the quick wit, strong willed, tender hearted, comedian that you are!
– Love mom