With Jocelyn now being “on the go ” each day, I was reminded of a post I had written about two years ago. While written with moms of little ones in mind, they truly do apply for any stage of parenting. And so, here is that post, somewhat edited….
Spending any amount of time, a few hours or all day, with a young mom can be so telling. Now that I am beyond that stage of my life, I realize just how much stress is in the life of a young mom. It raises a few questions in my mindā¦
- Was I that stressed out as a young mom? (***I will not need an email from anyone to confirm what I already know that answer to be!)
- Did I worry about things that I need not worry about? (Again see comment in parenthesis above!)
- Did I put undue pressure on myself to do things perfectly or differently even though I was truly doing the best that I could? (see previous comments in parenthesis above!)
- Why? Why do we do this?
And so todayās post is just some simple thoughts on mothering and/or parenting, should you be a guy. Maybe it will take some chains off even one person. Perhaps it will loosen the last link from even from me. So here we goā¦.
- If you are a mom, you are already a hero to that little one. They love you and think you are the best thing. Even better than āballilaāĀ ice cream.
- It really is OK to leave dishes in the sink. It means you were busy loving on your children which is far more important.
- If someone comes over for a visit and should wash said dishes in sink, it is not meant as a criticism. It means they love you deeply and are glad to lighten your burden.
- Mothering/parenting is HARD. I have said it and will continue to say it – it is the hardest work I have ever done.
- Each womanās experiences are her own. Donāt compare. You are an individual as are each of your children.
- Yes, you are normal if you stay glued to the baby monitor to watch your little one sleep. Although you will need to seek help if they are 30 years old and you have put a tracking device on them.
- Just because you love being a mom doesnāt mean that you will not hate the clutter. That is OK. One day you will find the moldy cracker under the couch cushion or the binkie under the bed and cry. Seriously you will.
- Everyone has an opinion on how YOU should mother. Guess what? Live to please only One – God.
- There are times that just to make it through the day means you were successful.
- Itās OK to stay in your pjās for the day. It really is. It may even be therapeutic.
And probably the best oneā¦
11. Breathe. You really will make it through.
Yes, mothering/parenting is one of those tasks that you know you do by the grace of God. His grace. His strength. His mercy. His enabling. Take the pressure off of yourself.
Breathe and Love.
āAnd now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.āĀ
(1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV).ĆĀ
ĆĀ
Today I am linking with … Three Word Wed. and A Little R & R and Wholehearted Wed. and Whimsical Wed. and Imperfect Prose and Works For Me and Wedded Wed. and Wordless Wed. and Wed. Prayer Girls and Faith & Fellowship .
What a blessing to know the love of Christ as a young mom. This post breaks my heart because it takes me back to that time as a young mom when I did not know Christ and felt so alone. I felt I had nothing to give and was surrounded by unsupportive people who did not know the love of Christ. I am so grateful that He rescued me and now helps me raise my girls with His love. He has become our protector and provider and brought so much love to our home. Nobody but He could do this for us.
Laura, so grateful He is helping you to raise your girls. May He weave your past into your present & future so that you are also able to help other moms as well. May you be assured & encouraged that you have much to offer! Blessings, Joanne
Good reminder no matter our stage in life. I watch my daughter as a young mother. She wants so badly to be the best mom ever and really is a great mom – The expectations we put on ourselves though can be so unrealistic. Be gentle with ourselves and others. Easy to say, hard to do.
Jean – it is so true that we each put such hard expectations on ourselves. So grateful that He is teaching me to rely & rest on Him. May we share with our daughters so that perhaps they will be more gentle on themselves. So grateful that you shared!
I love these tips. We all need to ease up on ourselves; most of my pressure as a young mom was self-imposed. Parenting is hard–at ALL ages–but it’s also the most meaningful work we can ever do. Blessings to you.
Lisa, I so agree with you. As hard as parenting is at each stage, it is the most meaningful investment we can ever make. Thank you for sharing!
I too am at that stage where the baby on the hip while I make box mac n cheese again for dinner is in the rear view mirror! Phew! I love your encouragement and wise council here. My cousin whom I’m close, experienced her first day at home with her new first baby as her husband went back to work and I am emailing your post to her.
Thanks
&
Cheers,
Leah
I am touched that you felt the post worthy to be shared. May both you & your cousin find the days of child rearing to be the most fulfilling and meaningful days! Thank you for stopping here today!
There is no greater deep down love than we have for our children; what a blessing that our wonderful Father gives us the gift of motherhood! And I can honestly say that I still go through some of these emotions even though my daughters are grown and have children of their own! Beautifully written Joanne!
Blessings and lots of love!!
Denise
Denise – You are right as mine are grown & I now have grandchildren. Yet I still have those very same feelings some days. Thank you for always being so encouraging. Blessings to you & yours!
What wonderful encouragement, Joanne. I’m really thinking about staying in my pj’s for a good portion of the day today. š Wishing you a wonderful weekend. Love you.
Beth – I hope you did stay comfortable in your pj’s today. It truly can be so therapeutic at times. It is one way to truly cease & rest. Hope you are having a good weekend! We’re having more snow – for a change š Hugs to you!
This is such a good message!! Thanks for the encouragement you shared! So glad you linked up!
Such wise and practical advice, Emma! I don’t often write about parenting, but always enjoy reading the posts of others who do. And even though it’s been a little while since my boys were small, I do know how challenging that time in my life was. Your words would’ve helped me and I know they are for the current mom of a tot or two!
Thanks so much! I do think moms need us to come along side of them & encourage them along. I always appreciated knowing someone was rooting for me š
These are such beautiful tips! Of course, my favorite is to parent to please God! š Thanks for linking up with the Faith and Fellowship blog hop!
This was just beautiful.