What kind of parent did you imagine you'd be?
Ponder:
When we become parents, most people have an idea of what parenting behaviors they want to keep from their own experiences as a child. They also know which behaviors they'd rather not repeat. We begin to understand the origin of some of these behaviors if we are so blessed as to have children who are just like we were as children. One example I can share is the skill of ignoring. Sometimes, my mother would ignore my call as a child. Even if I were standing directly in front of her, she would not answer. It became a game. I would call her just to see how long she could ignore me. Now, as a mother, I have developed that same skill (though not quite as good as my mother). Sometimes I just don't want to talk. Sometimes I don't have an answer. But, then I remember how my mother's special skill made me feel as a child. While I understand the origin, I also remember the harsh message ignoring can send. Now, I know that my mother loves me to pieces. She does now and she did then. But as a child, as crazy as it may sound, that message isn't always clear. So the challenge becomes, "how do I balance my needs as a mother with the needs of my child?" That question can be applied to a multitude of situations. How do you balance the two?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, you know my heart. You know when I am weary because you created me. You are aware of every thought and every struggle that I encounter. Thank you for knowing me better than I know myself. Lord, I trust your wisdom and ask that you show me how to tend to myself while being the parent your child needs me to be. Thank you for answering this prayer in your perfect time. Amen.
Participate
:
Take inventory of your parenting behaviors. Choose one that you know you'd like to change. Bring it to God and ask Him to help you to go about things in a different way. Share it with your partner so that you have accountability and work on it this month. Give yourself space and grace so that you can grow. If you think that your child is old enough to appreciate it, share what you are working on. Sometimes, including your child in your growth is the best example you can give them. Remember, children won't always remember what you say, but they will always remember what you do.
