In Which I Confess That I'm A Good Mom
Last week, I shared with you how I have been struggling with my mothering and my own expectations for myself. And to say I was overwhelmed by the response of my friends and family would be an understatement.
First of all, I truly was feeling alone. Knowing that other moms also do the same things or lose their patience the way I do was liberating! Especially since some of the moms who responded online or in person are woman I consider "super moms." I never would have guessed they yelled at their kids.
As a result, I am going to try to write a post (at the suggestion of my friend Babs) where I list the ways I think I am a good mom. And you should know, I fought really hard to not type the title as ways that I *MIGHT* be a good mom. :)
I give my girls lots of hugs and kisses.
They hear me say "I love you," several times a day.
The TV they do watch is usually educational.
They both love to eat fruit. And are used to whole grain bread and pasta.
I have always tried really hard, and fairly successfully, to guard their schedule, particularly in regards to their sleep. Even if it made the grandparents cranky because their visits were cut short. I know how important it is and that my girls get cranky without it.
I discipline them. It isn't fun to hear them crying or see them stomping their feet but I know it is ultimately more important that they learn to submit to authority. And, as they get older, I plan to teach them when it is okay to question authority.
My family goes to church. Charlotte and Mary are being taught early on to love God and hide His word in their heart. This is evident in the way Charlotte talks about missions and how she shares her knowledge of Truth.
So there you have it... the list was hard to start, but turned out to be easier to write than I thought it would be. Thanks for all of the encouragement moms.
Now, will you share one way that you think YOU are a good mom? Let's support one another!
First of all, I truly was feeling alone. Knowing that other moms also do the same things or lose their patience the way I do was liberating! Especially since some of the moms who responded online or in person are woman I consider "super moms." I never would have guessed they yelled at their kids.
As a result, I am going to try to write a post (at the suggestion of my friend Babs) where I list the ways I think I am a good mom. And you should know, I fought really hard to not type the title as ways that I *MIGHT* be a good mom. :)
I give my girls lots of hugs and kisses.
They hear me say "I love you," several times a day.
The TV they do watch is usually educational.
They both love to eat fruit. And are used to whole grain bread and pasta.
I have always tried really hard, and fairly successfully, to guard their schedule, particularly in regards to their sleep. Even if it made the grandparents cranky because their visits were cut short. I know how important it is and that my girls get cranky without it.
I discipline them. It isn't fun to hear them crying or see them stomping their feet but I know it is ultimately more important that they learn to submit to authority. And, as they get older, I plan to teach them when it is okay to question authority.
My family goes to church. Charlotte and Mary are being taught early on to love God and hide His word in their heart. This is evident in the way Charlotte talks about missions and how she shares her knowledge of Truth.
So there you have it... the list was hard to start, but turned out to be easier to write than I thought it would be. Thanks for all of the encouragement moms.
Now, will you share one way that you think YOU are a good mom? Let's support one another!
Love that you "forced" yourself to write this! :)
ReplyDeleteOne reason for me is that I am encouraging & nurturing their natural tendencies towards kindness and gratitude. They may not be the most athletically or academically gifted, but they are GOOD people and I am certainly proud of that. :)
You really shouldn't be hard on yourself, you obviously are a good mum which is why your children are happy, every child also needs disiplin for their own good later on in life, we all have our 'off days' as I said don't be too hard on yourself!
ReplyDeleteI am in my late 40's, 5 children. 3 are now adults.
ReplyDeleteI go through this "bad mom" battle even still ;(
All my children are really "good" kids. Even as adults. They are church goers, helpers, lovers of God, and yet I still beat myself up!
I'm glad that you took the time to write that you ARE a good mom. One day, whey they are older, they will tell you that and really mean it too!
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ReplyDeleteIt is hard to write that list. I know I had to force myself to stop and think about all of the good things that I do for the boys. Thanks for e-mailing me today about it. I was really having a I'm a bad Mommy day today. One thing that I think I have taught my boys at the ripe age of 5 and 6 is to read. They love reading. There are times when all 4 of us, hubby, me and boys are just sitting in a room reading. I love that. It helps them in so many ways. Thank you for this post. :)
ReplyDeleteFirst off...I'm SO PROUD of you for writing that list. Now your homework (as I would tell my clients) is to write some more!
ReplyDeleteYou do crafts with your kids
you take them interesting fun places and expose them to all sorts of fairs, festivals and fruits!
They laugh often (just look at your pics)
there...I got you started
Okay Jen? 15 more one sentence entries in your good mom list!
LOVE YOU
Babs