Full disclosure.
I
have had the chance to try my hand at parenting twice.
Once as a 20 year old and once as a 37 year
old.
Clearly the 37 year old has figured
some things out – thank God.
The 20 year
old had no family support and was truly a baby when she was getting started
though she did not realize it. I could
almost change this question and write a letter to that 20 year old mother.
Here are some thoughts that I feel like have held the test
of time in both settings:
1.
God extends a ton of mercy and grace in the
areas where you have made mistakes with your kids. I can see that I was trying to figure out how
to be a grown up at the same time as trying to be a mother and man oh man. I just feel like I am better at this things
now. I don’t take it personally when my
child gets angry and says she doesn’t like me.
I have a vision for my children’s future and part of my job as a parent
is to teach them about good and bad influences in the world in the areas of
people and places and circumstance they do not need to get mixed up in.
2.
God helps you to raise your children. When I had no idea how to handle a situation
the bible was very helpful for teaching me how to love to be patient to be kind
in the midst of terrible twos and tweens and teens and even as a grow into
adulthood (though I will admit this stage if even harder because you are
watching how all that mothering plays out).
3.
Apologize
for the mistake you have made, are making and continue to make but DO NOT
become a doormat to your child’s out of line behaviors or attitude toward
you. There is a reason why love is
sometimes tough
4.
Discipline and boundaries = love just like hugs
and kisses do
What are some of your time tested truths from
parenthood?
Share them in the comments
or add a link to your post below
