Lessons I've Learned Along the Way
This past week on Wire Talk, Sunny and I talked with fellow podcaster and author, Sarah Bragg. Sarah has just written a book called, A Mother’s Guide to Raising Herself, and throughout the book she shares some of the lessons she herself has learned while raising her daughters.
During our conversation, I reflected on some of the lesson’s I’ve learned along the way in raising my own children. I thought a lot about the young mom in the picture above. (Just look at those sweet babies!! And Abby would be joining our clan soon…) If I could sit down with Karen back in that season and have a heart to heart with her, here’s what I’d say:
#1 You are doing a good job, so don’t give up! You think at times you are being too strict, but your children end up making good choices, and your “strictness” is going to work out.
#2 Don’t sweat the small stuff. If Emily’s bow doesn’t match, or she doesn’t wear a bow at all, that is okay. (Psst… Emily turns out to have a super cute style that is all her own. Let her roll with her creativity!)
#3 What matters in the long run is teaching your child God loves them and wants a relationship with them.
#4 What will aid your children most in life is teaching them to work hard and never give up. Give them chances to take responsibility for their own actions, and teach them not to blame others.
#5 Breathe, momma! It is all going to be okay!
What are the lessons you’ve learned so far in your mothering journey? If your child is 16 years or even just 6 weeks old, you have already learned so much, I promise! What if you took a few minutes this week to write yourself a note, reminding yourself of a few important things God has taught you on your journey as a mom? Then, in the coming weeks, when you see bad behavior (in yourself or in your child) and you’re tempted to think parenting is a test you’re failing… pull out your note and remind yourself that this is HARD, but that you are doing all right, and it is all going to be okay.
I think you’ll really enjoy reading Sarah’s reflections on motherhood and the lessons she’s learning. Pre-order a copy today through Amazon, and remember, you are an awesome mom!