Do not for one second think your effort does not count or your children do not appreciate the sacrifices you make for them. Truth is they really do. Have you not wondered how you are able to remember some memories of your childhood. It’s simply amazing, right? The teeny tiny details that did not make any sense then but does so much now.
Our kid’s mind is very active, the more reason we should always treat them right. So many parental relationships have either been marred or severed by memories. This does not have anything to do with disciplining our children. I’m an advocate of discipline. However, we need to strike a balance between discipline and abuse. That being said, they know when your reprimand is as a result of their disobedience. So they quickly get over it. But there are times when we think they have fallen out of line which isn’t the case, please be quick to apologize to them bearing in mind that they are also human. For me, there is no hard and fast rule to training one’s child. So many conflicting takes on this matter out there. Spank ( spare the rod and spoil the child ), don’t spank ( Rod does not signify beating, it is used to guide), just a tap will do, what! Timeout is more like it, oh no! Timeout leads to the child feeling isolated, ok take away what the child loves most ( while it may work for some, others switches to new-found love), try talking to your child( and snooze, the child dozed off) phew! The list is endless.
My take, when it comes to parenting, do what works for you. It is no accident those children are in your care. God placed them specifically in your care for a reason and because he trusts you with them. He saw the people dishing out all the discipline methods to you but no he didn’t send them your children, he chose you.
Parenting is not an easy task. It would have been easier if the kids came with a manual but alas! wishes are not horses. We still have to draw our strength and wisdom from the father of all creation.
Moreover, through all these challenges of raising our wonderful children, what counts most and keeps us going is the unconditional love our children have for us (that’s super deep). And the little words of gratitude that comes from their heart to us. My five-year-old daughter woke up one morning, gave me a tight hug and said, “mom, thank you for all the things you do for me”. And since then, she tells me every single day. This brought tears to my eyes the very first day she said it. They are actually watching everything with their little eyes. Ain’t we grateful for these super beings.
In the comment section, please share with us some of the things your kids say to appreciate you that keeps you going.
Well right now my son is only 5 months, but his smile says everything I need to know! Thanks for sharing!
I remember those smiles Brown, they are priceless. My pleasure. Thanks for reading and commenting.
First I want to say thank you for sharing this. I know with my girls I can look at one of them a certain way and she changes the other one we sit and talk it out. I know when they where younger we used a ruler to discipline. And now that they are teenagers the Lord prompted me to discipline with the word. I mean if you honk about it that’s how he disciplines me.
What keeps me going is when my girls simply says thank you or that I’m the best mom ever.
It’s my pleasure Christy. Oh yes the thank you goes a long way. Thanks for reading and commenting.
I don’t consider myself a newbie mom because I have 4 kids and my oldest will be entering high school soon. However, no matter how long I had the kids, there will always doubts. Believe me, it gets worse once they reach the preteen and teen years.
Thank you for reminding me that yes, I am enough and still the best as I could.
Oh, those hugs become more precious as the kids get older too.
You are most welcome Rozelyn. Even the preteens and teens has admiration somewhere in the corner of their heart.Thanks for your lovely comment.
Oh what a sweet story about your daughter! Yes, I know you are a great mom! Moms so often compare themselves to others that I think it’s important to remind them that God has a reason they’re parenting their children. As they look to Him, He will provide all they need to raise their children well.
Thanks Katy. Amen,Thanks for reading and commenting.
Took a nap and by the time I woke up I had carrots and almonds waiting for me courtesty of Joy my 4 year old.
Awwww too cute. God bless you Joy. And thanks for reading and commenting.
I remember how fulfilled I feel when my kids tells me Mom you are the best. I love your food. Thanks for taking good care of us. Wow!! I feel great.
wow! that’s amazing. thanks for sharing.
My 3 year old comes to me and hugs me saying I love u mummy. And then sometimes she asks mummy are u happy?
Thanks for sharing Ashe. I can imagine how that makes you feel.
I am not a parent yet, but just having my 5 and 6 year old nieces tell me they miss me, or when they make their parents leave so they can have alone auntie time, it just melts my heart!
Awwww……. that’s so sweet Melissa
Love this post. I always feel people should mind their own business in most things but everyone has an opinion on parenting. In the end, we are all doing what we think is best for our children.
I don’t have any children but I have nieces and a godson. Unfortunately, I do not see them often. When I do, I love when they give me their little hugs and say they miss me. 🙂
Very insightful. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Laurabelle.
II will be the first to admit, having just a simple hug from my children can move mountains for me. I often feel guilty because I am so busy with my career and feel like I don’t pay enough attention to the time that is flying by with them. I live for those moments when I can sense they are truly happy, healthy and know that they are loved.
Awwww….that’s so sweet. And please don’t feel guilty, you are busy all because of them. You are the best.
This is a fantastic post. My kids are teenagers now and they are just now starting to acknowledge that the way we have done things to raise them is different from the way their friends are/were raised. We have had some very interesting conversations about parenting choices and why they appreciate what we have done and are still doing. Parenting is a marathon, not a sprint, and your mantra about doing what works for you has been mine for 20+ years now!
Amazing Melissa. I like the fact that they are the difference now 🤗
My kids tell me they appreciate me with the enthusiasm they use relate the funny things that happened in school or church or with friends. Sometimes just a hug, instead. ❤️
That’s so beautiful Maggie.
Just a simple “I love you, mama” gets me every time!
Me too Kristen 😁
Amen and amen! We gotta do the best we can, trusting the Lord all the way!
True Nicolette. Amen