One of my favorite photos of me and my son, Easter 2008
Parenting Alert
For those of you parents with babies, consider this a parenting alert: The stereotypical teenage behavior, or at least some of it, begins much earlier than the tween years. At least it has in our home, and from talking with other parents, I don’t think I’m alone in this.
Our son has recently developed quite the mouth. He’s only 7! It’s been a tough pill to swallow that this behavior has started so early. We are working on it, but as with most parenting matters, progress does not happen overnight.
Today’s Struggle
So this morning, we were struggling with this. I had to discipline him several times to get through to him that the mouth won’t be tolerated. I was not feeling it as a parent.
You know that discipline is necessary. You know that it’s a form of love. Yet, there are occasions where it doesn’t feel this way at all. It’s definitely one of those circumstances in life where you come to understand that feelings cannot always be trusted.
I had sent him and his sister outside to play for a while. I called them back in so that I could shower. Afterwards, as I was getting ready to brush my teeth…
He said to me from the bedroom where he was playing, “You’re a good mommy.”
I almost had to asked him to repeat it. It was certainly not what I expected to hear after the morning we’d had.
I called him to me for a hug and was reminded of the belief I have always held that kids get it. I don’t always measure up in my job as a parent. There are days when I feel like an awful parent. But I do give it my best shot, and I know like with everything else in life there will be good days and not so great days in my life as a Mommy.
The thing is that just as kids get it when we are real with them …. they also get it when we’re not, at least eventually they will. More than anything, they want our time and our attention. They want to know that we sincerely care about the things they care about. To hear that we are proud of them. Life gets so busy and it’s easy to lose sight of what’s really important from time to time. I’m thankful for reminders like this one today … to take the time.
Unexpected Gifts from Heaven
My son’s statement was a big dose of encouragement to me this morning, his words like a beautifully wrapped gift handed down from my Daddy in Heaven… the One who shows me daily what being the best Mommy I can be looks like.
And Who is there with grace and forgiveness on the days when I fail at it, reminding me that my children can learn invaluable lessons even through my failures, perhaps especially through those failures if I handle them intentionally … and that His mercies are new every morning.
About the Author
Adopted at age 2, grew up in the Charlotte, NC area. Obtained Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Appalachian State University. Loves being a Mom of two and taste-testing Chef John's culinary creations and sharing them with readers.
Awww kids can be tough but it’s so rewarding and as you can see they love you unconditionally
I have had a similar experience recently. I am struggling with my 8 year old but he does get it… he know how much I love him despite all my shortcomings as a mom. I love this post!
Stefany recently posted…Fun activities to do with children during the fall
I think it must be a culmination of the weather & time of year. My 8 year old has been very snappy, claiming she won’t do what she’s told unless she gets to do whatever it is she wants. Needless to say, she’s missed out on quite a bit of activities lately.
Nothing about life is easy and that includes parenting. There are so many things we just can’t control. That photo is adorable. Everything will work out just as it should.
Chrystal @ YUM eating recently posted…Crockpot Blueberry Lemon Rhubarb Crisp
Awww how sweet! Kids do love structure.
Heather recently posted…Layered Potato Gratin #Food4Fall {Kitchen-Aid Mixer Giveaway}
Parenting can be tough at any age, I find it comes in spurts. I love being a parent though so rewarding and all so worth it!
Adorable photo!
Parenting is so challenging but, yes, kids get it way more than we often think. That picture of the two of you is precious!
Lois Alter Mark recently posted…nature’s spa by jurlique at kimpton’s hotel palomar
I so know how you feel . Parenting is a hard job but it so rewarding when no matter how bad they act they still come back later and tell you they love you.
Melissa Vera recently posted…Celebrate National Pasta Month with #PastaFits
I love my kids, they can be a difficult at times but they are so worth it. You have a beautiful family.
Lesley A Stevens recently posted…Minecraft Enderman Toy Series #1
I don’t have children myself but I can imagine that it must be one of the greatest and toughest jobs in the world. From what you’ve said here, I think you sound like a great mum.
Tami recently posted…My favourite ‘Instagrammers’
7 years old is definitely the age of the mouth! We went through that with our middle son who is very chatty, and now my dd7 is doing it.
Barb @ A Life in Balance recently posted…Halloween Fun: Treats, Crafts, Decorations, Costumes
My son’s 6 years old and this story seems to be taken right out of a page of our book. Happens every day. They try to push limits but it’s important to remember that they’re only young once. Firm discipline and love combined with lots of hugs and kisses do the trick.
It’s definitely encouraging to know that our little ones appreciate us parenting them, even when it is tough. Sounds like yours understands that too.
LifeAsAConvert recently posted…Random Emotions of Passion…
At age 7 they seem to have a mind of their own but they’ll always be mommy’s baby no matter how old they get. That was so sweet of him and I’m sure you both knew that.
Amanda Love recently posted…Read for the Record and Gymboree
Raising kids can be so tough… but do you know what? Kids do get it. They know we love them no matter what. Sometimes they just have to try and push our buttons.
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