A list for Mothers or anyone who plays the role of mother.. Or anyone who has a mother. Basically a list for everyone.
Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge. (Proverbs 23:12 NIV)
#1 – You can be their mother and their friend. As long as they respect you as MOTHER first. Friendship is important too. As long as you are parent first and foremost. {Be sure you read this again.}
#2 – Honesty is always best. I mean, why in the world would you let your child embarrass himself or herself on the American Idol auditions? Yes, tell them you believe in them.. Support them fully.. But don’t lie to your child.
#3 – Just because all the other moms or dads are doing it doesn’t mean you should too. Stand firm. Stand strong. Stick to God’s way.
#4 – Yes, you will hear your child at least Once (unless they mumble it) say that they hate you. Don’t take it personal. You probably said it to your mother too. You didn’t mean it either. But.. Don’t let it slide. Use it as a teaching moment. Love them through it. They don’t really hate you… Even if they don’t realize it yet. Grace.
#5 – Time is the best gift you can give to your kids. Time can’t be replaced.
#6 – When you think your gonna pull your hair out because of the messes and tantrums and did I say messes? Well, those are precious moments that pass by so fast. One day there won’t be messes and toddler tantrums..
#7 – Teens are great. No, really.. They can be.. If you give them your time and pay attention. Teens are mini adults with teen brains trapped in teen bodies and it’s a confusing time for them. Handle with care. I love having teenagers. Even though we still have messes and tantrums. FYI: we were all teens once. Remember this.
#8 – Train your children up to respect others, to forgive, to not judge others, to show grace. Teach them to be kind by modeling kindness. Teach them to love by modeling love. You get the point.
#9 – Understand that your biggest responsibility in terms of “discipling” begins with your children. They were entrusted to you.. How are you doing with that? I know I’m far from perfect in this area.. I fail daily.. Which brings me to..
#10 – When you mess up, and you will, apologize. Yes. Why? Because you are teaching your children to own up and apologize as well. You are showing them humility & allowing them to show you grace.
#11 – Each child is different. Therefore each child expresses love differently. So pay attention to your kids and love them the way that they will feel loved.
#12 – Believe in your children. Don’t force them to fit a mold you have for them. Allow them to be who GOD wants them to be.
#13 – Tell your kids you love them. Show them with your actions. Really listen to them.
#14 – Be dependable. They are gifts.
#15 – Don’t put unrealistic expectations on yourself or your kids.
#16 – Keep God first and center.
#17 – Laugh. Often. Even at yourself.
#18 – Take lots of photos! Don’t forget the 2nd, 3rd kid.. Take lots of photos! Memories. You will be glad you did. Did I mention? Time passes so fast.
#19 – Eat a meal at the table together daily.. At least weekly. Without cell phones. It can be take out!
#20 – Unplug. Be all there. You are teaching your kids to do the same. Plus, in a world where talking on the phone is becoming extinct like the pay phone, unplugging forces you to interact and truly communicate. We all need this. I’m just as guilty.
#21 – Love deeply. Forgive freely. Give grace just as God has given grace to you.
#22 – Life is short. Live life to the fullest.
#23 – Whisper more than you raise your voice.
#24 – Let them make mistakes. Life lessons are the best teachers.
#25 – But when they fall, be there to help them up. Not with an “I told you so” either.
#26 Oh and PRAY!! Pray for your children. Pray for their present and for their future. Pray. Pray. Pray. (This should be number 1 but I’m too lazy to change the post now)
This list is in no special order. Just a few things that I’ve learned as a Momma to our 2 blessings. Things that I learned because of my Momma and Daddy. We live what we learn. I know I could have added many more things to the list.. But, I didn’t.
Even if you are an Aunt or an Uncle, or have no children of your own, you still have influence. It truly takes a village.
Happy Mother’s Day early to all of you mothers and mother figures.
Until Next Time,
Heather
P.S. It’s ok if you don’t agree with the list.. If you take one or two things from it that’s great! Definitely not forcing it on you.. Just my views..and things I have learned.
Hope For The Broken 