Parenting

This post was very convicting to me this week as I look at how I parent, and my attitude towards my children. I freely admit, especially as an introvert, I NEED early bedtimes, and nap times, but at the same time, good sleep for kids equals a happier home for everyone. Ask me how I know! But I don't ever want to have the attitude of, I can't stand being around my kids, I'm counting the minutes till I can get rid of them, complaining about their behavior, but not acknowledging that it is at least partly my fault if we are having problems. I don't want to be constantly be complaining about the difficulties they bring into my life, but realize when it is hard, that this is one way God is sanctifying me. And after all I spent years praying for the gift of these little people so what kind of thanks to the Lord is my complaining? That being said, I'm thankful I can go to the Lord with any problems that come up and ask for help. And that brings me to another recent conviction. How often do I have a child problem and I talk to people, read blogs, complain to John, instead of simply praying about it and asking the Lord for help. Only He can change the hearts of my littles, and my own heart.

"Yes, I agree with many moms that raising children is difficult at times — but isn’t everything that requires diligent work difficult? Does staying in shape and eating a healthy diet take commitment, diligence and plain old sweat? Does having a close-knit relationship with your spouse take a lot of time and sacrifice? Does composing an orchestral masterpiece require hours of industrious work? Just like those important things of life require diligence and patience, so does raising children. If you sit by and do not become intentional in your parenting, then yes, parenting will become a nightmare. And here is the honest truth that the parenting magazines will not tell you: if parenting your kids has become a nightmare, it is not your kid’s fault — it is yours.

I am not being overly critical, I am being critically honest. When my kids are misbehaving and acting like misfits, I take time aside and reevaluate my mothering skills. Am I spending time with my kids training them? Am I teaching them the manners I desire to see in their lives? Am I praying for them enough? Am I consistently disciplining them or lazily telling them to obey over…and over…and over again? Let us be humble enough as parents to admit it is our fault if our kids scream, disobey or throw a tantrum. It is our fault because they have gotten away with those actions one too many times."