What if we all supported and encouraged each other ?
Seriously. All platitudes aside - all buzz words and heated discussions about how do we do this or that.
I first want to recognize how incredibly hard being a parent is. This role is the most challenging and life changing I have ever faced. We are pulled in so many directions today. There are so many conflicting ideas about parenting. You read one book and it tells you to do time outs. You read another book or listen to another speaker and they say time outs will forever damage your child's psyche. I have a play date with one mom and she tells me all about how her children are signing and learning their colors before 2. Another mom tells me signing will delay your children's ability to speak.
Every child is different. Every mom is different. Every dad is different. Every family is different. We all thrive differently. We all have different dreams for our lives. We are challenged by different things. What would it look like if we just recognized this and supported each other. If instead of judging or giving advice we affirmed one another?
Some moms thrive with four or five children. Some moms are struggling with one child. I am personally hanging by a thread of patience and self control with two children. Let's build each other up and support each family size.
Yesterday we were out on a restaurant patio with our kids and sat next to a mom with a 12 month old. We smiled at each other and my 3 and half year old did a better job of talking to her than I did. Instead of staring at each other wondering how our parenting compares or both praying our children behave well and we look good in public and thinking we probably should never go out again... I wish I had said to her when I left, "Hey! You look like a great mom. I can tell you are doing a wonderful job."
So next time I see a baby or little kids instead of complimenting on their cute outfit or smiling I want to compliment the mom. Like hey fellow warrior - I see you. I can see you are doing your best. I can see you raising the next generation. I can see you have the same worries and struggles I do. I want to encourage you. Because heaven knows since your children are alive and out and about you are doing your best.
Seriously. All platitudes aside - all buzz words and heated discussions about how do we do this or that.
I first want to recognize how incredibly hard being a parent is. This role is the most challenging and life changing I have ever faced. We are pulled in so many directions today. There are so many conflicting ideas about parenting. You read one book and it tells you to do time outs. You read another book or listen to another speaker and they say time outs will forever damage your child's psyche. I have a play date with one mom and she tells me all about how her children are signing and learning their colors before 2. Another mom tells me signing will delay your children's ability to speak.
Every child is different. Every mom is different. Every dad is different. Every family is different. We all thrive differently. We all have different dreams for our lives. We are challenged by different things. What would it look like if we just recognized this and supported each other. If instead of judging or giving advice we affirmed one another?
Some moms thrive with four or five children. Some moms are struggling with one child. I am personally hanging by a thread of patience and self control with two children. Let's build each other up and support each family size.
Yesterday we were out on a restaurant patio with our kids and sat next to a mom with a 12 month old. We smiled at each other and my 3 and half year old did a better job of talking to her than I did. Instead of staring at each other wondering how our parenting compares or both praying our children behave well and we look good in public and thinking we probably should never go out again... I wish I had said to her when I left, "Hey! You look like a great mom. I can tell you are doing a wonderful job."
So next time I see a baby or little kids instead of complimenting on their cute outfit or smiling I want to compliment the mom. Like hey fellow warrior - I see you. I can see you are doing your best. I can see you raising the next generation. I can see you have the same worries and struggles I do. I want to encourage you. Because heaven knows since your children are alive and out and about you are doing your best.
The day I couldn't figure out my nursing cover for the life of me.....
This blog is featured at http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/1113869/supporting-moms-doing-their-best
You are awesome, Dana! And a fabulous mother.
ReplyDeleteThank you! You are one amazing mom yourself
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