My hubs and I have been having some heart to heart chats about where we’re heading in our parenting journey. And honestly, it seems as though we come to the same conclusions each time. We want our home and family to be a place to express and receive a lot of love and grace.
On the spectrum of friend vs enforcer, we realize we’re way too comfortable on the enforcer side. Simply put, we don’t extend much patience when they do something wrong. We quickly stomp it out so that they know who’s boss because #familyrules. But we realize that we’re not happy doing that. They’re not happy feeling that from us. They deserve much more compassion and understanding, especially since they struggle with remembering anything I’ve said if it’s been longer than like 5 seconds.
So we spent last night talking, soul searching, and reading in the scriptures about patience. We realized that we can use each child’s meltdown as an opportunity to show them patience and compassion. The more we talked and read the more inspired we felt to start using those rebellious moments to actually teach them something instead of taking the quicker and easier road of just saying “no” or “stop doing that!” We want to pick our battles more instead of calling them out for every little infraction. We want to have more consistent fun with them! Oh the struggle, y’all! Especially when we have a house full of littles that love to run first (especially in parking lots) and ask questions later 😉
So I’ll be using the first nursing session of the morning to read those books that offer strength and remind me to send up prayers for love and help and patience. The Lord offered assurance to Ammon when he needed the encouragement and peace to accomplish something important. “Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, the Lord comforted us… bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success.” I think that if I begin the day by remembering where all strength comes from and connecting with Him, that strength will come in the moments I need it most. We want to enjoy parenthood and I have a solid huntch that we’ll find the fun in it as often as we invite it. Wish us luck!
My husband and I were talking about the very same thing the other night. We have started this process and seen such a difference in one of our boys (I have 3) and just found out we have another little bundle on the way. That has come as quite the shock as we had thought our family was complete haha. Someone had other ideas 😉 I am from New Zealand and just love your blog and insta. I find it full of love, light, grace and honesty. Keep being real x
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Sarena! Congratulations on that surprise baby!! Hope you’re feeling well! And what a beautiful perspective you have. Thanks so much for your sweet compliments, they seriously mean so much and are encouraging. xoxo!