I know that all of you know exactly what I am talking about. Forgive me for this post... it won't be the best thing you have ever read.
To put it plainly, I am struggling as a mom. Every stage I enter into with my children seems to be harder than the previous one. Does it ever get "easy?" I thought the 2's were bad. Now, Jeremiah is 3 and it seems worse. I keep telling myself that if I can get out of the 3's then it will all be better. Then, at the pool today I heard a mom say, "I'm not sure I'm going to survive the 4's!" Really? Because that is what I say about 3. Then, when I was leaving the bathroom with Jeremiah for the 3rd time (and he still hadn't peed or pooped), a mom said, "Wait until he is 13-you won't think you will survive!" Well, great. That is exactly what I need to hear! Not really!!!!!
So, I am convinced that as long as I am raising children, whether 2 or 13, it will be hard.
I definitely believe that my emotions are running a little high right now because I am potty training, but I feel that I am on the edge about to have a mental break-down!
So, for now, I am trying to be thankful for the 2 little blessings that God has given John David and I. I pray that will be thankful for their health, how much they like to play, and the sound of them constantly saying, "Mommy, Mommy!"
In the midst of hard times, those same children that cause me to lose my mind sometimes, make me smile. For example, I lost my temper with Jeremiah the other day. After a few minutes, I knew I needed to apologize to him.
So here is what was said:
M: Jeremiah, mommy is really sorry that I got mad and yelled at you.
J: Ok, Mommy.
M: I lost my temper-I am sorry.
J: Mommy, you lost your temper? Where is it? Mommy, did you find your temper?
M: I laughed-of course. Who wouldn't
So, as you can see. I am having moments of highs and lows! And the lows seem to be the lowest of the lows!
Am I the only one who feels this way?
5 comments:
You are not alone! I hope you read that in a sing-songy voice, cause that's how I intended it. :)
Seriously, though, you really aren't alone. Parenting IS hard, and being a stay-at-home Mommy brings its own set of challenges, BUT don't be too discouraged because it seems you're doing a good job counting your blessings even amidst the hard times. Great job confessing sin to your child...that's hard to do. I think the Lord uses parenting for our own sanctification...can I get an Amen!? I definitely see my sin on a very regular basis. Hang in there! And tell those other moms "if you don't have anything nice or encouraging to say, don't say anything at all!" :)
you aren't alone. But I will say that some things do get easier. Yes ALOT of it switches from physical needs to more emotional needs but there comes a point where you get to do things like sleep in on Sat, tell them what snack they can have and they go to the kitchen and get it themselves, they will shower themselves, and not need you to change a diaper or dress them. So there are still plenty of hard things but for me the "not being needed 24/7" has made the hard things a little less easy. There are days now that my boys will play for 2 hrs at a time and never hear a peep from them. But there are of course other days that can't stand the site of each other. So while it is hard right now, it will get easier in some ways and harder in others. Sorry you are having a bad day.
Danielle, a friend posted this the other day and it encouraged me so much to be joyful in today. ""Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. One day I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return." The longer I parent, the worse of a parent I feel I am and how much wisdom I am lacking on my own. But this is the grace of God that is allowing me to see that...before, he allowed me to think that I was doing a pretty good job, and this is to my children's detriment, when I do not realize my need for Jesus. Praise Jesus when you need him, for you will be the better parent and parent with His wisdom. That's what I'm learning, anyway. These are the times you will treasure when they are grown up- I try to remember I will want them begging to be with me and needing me all the time:) I know you are a great mom!
Sweet friend, Let me just say that every.single.parent has gone through or IS going through what you are right now. I have to first say that I know the kind of person you are and you are an AWESOME mom. Don't believe any other lies, because well...that's simply not truth. I love Kim's comment about how our need for Jesus makes us better parents. Think about it...if our kids were perfect then we would start to think that we are really something... and build up so much pride in our hearts. But instead, He uses things like this to humble us and bring us to the cross for more strength, more wisdom, more patience, etc. Girl, I wish we lived closer. You would definitely see how many times I need to RUN to the cross with my little Foxie. Some friends and I were talking about this today. No, parenting never gets easy. Ever. Always new challenges and obstacles. But you know what? God is bigger, and He chose YOU to be Jeremiah and Evie's mom because He wants to reveal more of Himself to you, and mold you more into His image. He also knows that you are a rockin' mom and can handle whatever He sends your way. We have some major ups and downs around this house. As hard as it can be at times, I chose to celebrate the ups BIG time and rejoice in the blessings that come with a "good day." J & E are seriously both adorable, healthy, and happy babies. Praise God! Stand firm, my friend. Take one day at a time. No need to worry about next year or the next. He doesn't promise us but just 1 day at a time. Try and focus on that. I'm so thankful that you posted this. I love honest people that aren't afraid to talk real. And girlfriend...I got some real talk over here if you ever need to chat! ha. Love you!
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:32-33
oh danielle, i can totally relate. i have to say that some kids are just harder than others. we talk about how great the strong will (with self control) will be when they are older. i am sure you are doing the best you can! 3-4 yr old boys are nuts sometimes:)
i have to say that jayden just had his 4th bday and we can see strides in his behavior and self control/obedience. some people just love to make you dread the next stage. i also agree with everyone else... those harder kids help us remember our need for jesus every single moment of every single day!
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