This year I am so blessed with three handsome, beautiful and healthy boys. As we mature in parenting and motherhood together I wanted to share some “truths” Ive been living by as a mom. These are things my mom taught me, probably without knowing.
Five Mom Truths I live by:
1. Pick your battles: Of all my children, Caedmon has taught me this the most. I could easily get caught up arguing back with him all the time, but its not worth it. His strong will and determination are good things. We’ll choose to fight battles that concern his long-term and the other boys’ as well. We’ll choose to battle against things that are going to affect our children and their all around wellness, not just their day to day frustrations. Its not always easy, but its always worth it.
2. Always say, “I love you”: I tell my boys countless times a day I love them. I just never stop saying it and never will. When the whole world seems against them sometimes, they’ll know that their mom never is. They’ll know they have me and Ryan to come to to feel love and be loved.
3. Admit when you’ve been wrong and they will too: Ryan has taught me this and been a great example of humility to our children. When we can admit our faults and short-comings our children can see that its okay to not be perfect all the time. Its okay to fail or let people down, because we have forgiveness. I pray our family will always forgive one another and stay close.
4. Be thankful, in all circumstances: Shepherd has taught me this the most. He can be a little “melancholy” at times, especially during winter. We often have to talk him “off the ledge” when things go wrong. I love to list the “good things” with him and be thankful. There is always something, maybe a silly thing, to be grateful for. Even when our kids are frustrating us or just being annoying, I want to be thankful. Thankful they are mine, they are healthy, they are safe.
5. Remember, they’re just kids: Rex reminds me of this the most. He is such a “kid” – a perfect example of all things boy. He knows how to play and finds any excuse to do so. He’s just a kid. When our little ones start doing “big kid” things, like sports, we have to remember that they are “just kids.” They aren’t pro-athletes or musicians. They aren’t going to make the right choice all the time. They aren’t going to say the right things, or choose the right path each chance they get. They are kids. They need grace and freedom to find themselves.
