We parents and caregivers are all trying to do our best, and sometimes at the end of the day, we’ve done a great job parenting our children if they are alive, happy and healthy.
Every single child is different, and every family is different. Whatever works for your family, whatever keeps your home peaceful, your marriage strong, your children healthy and growing in grace and stature into the men and women God created them to be–that’s all there is to it.
In the end, though, I hope that God permits real criticism of me once in a while. Or at least plenty of embarrassing temper tantrums in the middle of Walmart. (Did I really just type that?!)
Because no matter how many books I read or tapes I listen to or techniques I borrow from all the great parents I know (my own included), I will always need the reminder that I’ll never have perfect kids or be the perfect parent.
My little boy turned two years old today, meaning I’ve been a mom for all of two years. What do I know?
Enough to know I don’t know much at all. Enough to put my two babies to bed happy, healthy and (usually) clean. Enough to pray simply that the Lord will permit enough parenting challenges in my life to keep me humble, and enough grace to keep me going.
Erin, I love reading your words. Riley isn't much older than Gabriel and I am so grateful to have someone else remind me to be gentle with other parents…and myself. Thank you!
I remember always casting a judgmental look towards those parents that let their children run amok in restaurants. Oh how that has changed. Last night we went out to eat with my uncle and I nearly cried tears of joy because Joe was so well behaved. It's usually torture going to restaurants!
I think all mom's need to read this! Awesome post!
Thank you for being so honest Erin. I think we all feel the same… Thank you for putting it in writing.
Yes, what you are saying resonates with me. This hit me particularly hard after I had my 5th child. I call it the "Year of Humility"…lol. Pretty much everything I had ever been critical of other moms in similar states of life happened to me that year. It was the first time I ever had a child throw a full fit on the floor at church. The first time I actually admitted that I needed help with anything. It was the first time I experienced post-partum depression (I had always assumed ladies who claimed pp were just tired and stressed like all new moms) and stubbornly battled it on my own for a year. It was the year that I found myself repeatedly ashamed of my own arrogance and lack of charity with regard to other moms. I have changed in that way rather significantly… for the better I hope.
Thanks for being real with this. It's good to be able to see ourselves clearly to grow in humility and charity. And also to prepare ourselves to receive correction when we need it from others.
God bless you!