As many of you know, I am the mother of two very energetic
boys. As I write this post, my boys are
ages five and seven (or kindergarten and
2nd grade). What frustrates
me the most about being a mother is the fact that my kids don’t come with an
instruction manual. I feel like I am
constantly trying to figure out how to best to communicate to them, discipline
them, even show them love. Though they are both boys, their
personalities couldn’t be more different.
What works with one, DOES NOT work with the other. (I am sensing every mother reading this
giving me a “amen sister!” to that last sentence, am I right?!)
I can’t tell you how many times I would kill for a trouble
shooting guide. Please read my fantasy below...
“For a kid throwing fit in Walmart, turn to page 216. Complete steps 1-4 for complete compliance of
child.” Wouldn’t that be great? It could even be broken down into sections
for first, second and third-born children.
“If your child is the baby of the family, use bribery whenever
possible. If your child is a first
born….why are you reading this guide?
This child always follows the rules…”
I think you get my point.
My children are obviously not that old and since I haven’t
even hit the teen years, I know my frustrations have yet to begin. I have very little figured out as a mother,
but one thing I have found is that though I am trying to teach my kids, my kids
are teaching me as well. (Sometimes I
think THEY are the ones who have the troubleshooting guide….they know my buttons
better than I do!) A wise woman, named
Tami Boesiger, once told me I could learn FROM my children. Taking her words to heart, I realized that I
have learned from my kids. My oldest has
taught me the importance of following the rules and how good behavior pays off.
My youngest has shown me that even the
smallest step of progress is worth celebrating and dandelions can be the most
amazing gift.
But then there are other lessons….
My children are blessed to attend a Christian school. As a parent, I have visions of the perfect
Christian behavior THEY will learn and all the biblical learning THEY will
receive. I believe there is no limit to
all THEY will be gaining from their Christian education. A few weeks ago, I had a weak moment and lost
my temper with my seven year old. After
I gave him a tongue lashing, his words hit me like dynamite. He looked at me and said, “Mom! Don’t you
remember what Proverbs says? A harsh word stirs up anger!” Ouch. (When did this Christian education start
teaching ME?!) Way to teach mommy, kid.
And hats off you to God. You gave
this momma one lesson she won’t ever forget.
I may not ever get my trouble-shooting guide to raising
children in book form. But, I do believe
Tami is right, I can learn FROM my children and in the process become a better
parent FOR them. The Lord does work in
mysterious ways, doesn’t he?
I am the mother of two little boys
So much dirt and excessive amounts of noise
I never know quite what to do
Or how to survive situations motherhood puts me through
But I have been blessed
Despite my many failed tests
God gave me two boys to raise
And every day I give Him praise
Out of all the lessons I have learned
I know some things in life can’t be discerned
Each day must be taken one at a time
Relying on God, everything will be just fine
