Tag: Parenting
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Dear Kids, When I’m not myself…
Dear Kids, I haven’t been myself this week. I’ve been more uptight and snappy than I should be. I asked you to be quieter when you were just laughing and having a good time. I sent you to the other room to wrestle even though I usually love it when you play. I got mad…
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Dear Teenagers, Be patient while I let go…
To my teenagers, Be patient with me as I learn to let you go. I know it’s time. I know you’re growing and becoming and that sometimes it’s uncomfortable. Be patient with me because it’s not just you who is adjusting, my love. It’s me too. I know it’s hard to understand, but hear me out.
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Giving My Strong-Willed Child Space and Time
I’ll be honest with you, I’ve read a lot of advice about strong-willed kids and none of it has “worked” for me. I’ve tried talking to them and matching their emotions (this was like adding vinegar to baking soda), I’ve tried whispering and it went as well as I expected (they were unable to hear…
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Dear Kids, I can’t give you perfection, but I can give you this…
Dear Kids, I can’t give you perfection, but I can give you all of me, without holding anything back. I can give you my whole heart. I can let you see me laugh and cry and everything in between. I can admit when I’m wrong (even if it takes me awhile to realize sometimes).
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Don’t drink the Mom-Koolaid
I had a few moms over for coffee the other day and one of them was telling me about the “imposter syndrome” among moms. I’d never heard of it before, but I’ve definitely experienced it. The imposter syndrome, she said, is a term for moms trying to appear to have it all together, probably because…
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To My Mom: I get it now.
Dear Mom, I’m laying on my bed hiding right now. I can hear the kids bickering as they get ready for bed, and a little voice calling for water and a song. I’m tired and weary to my bones. I will get up anyway. I will go kiss little foreheads and pray a prayer. I…
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Dear Hot Mess Mom: To me you are perfect.
It’s tempting to pretend that there aren’t ritz crackers hidden deep inside my shag carpet, along with some other things I probably don’t want to know about. It’s tempting to pretend my four-year-old doesn’t rock the same “favorite” dress three days in a row, and that I don’t currently smell like men’s Old Spice deodorant.…
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Please stop telling Moms to enjoy every minute
Nothing makes me feel quite as overwhelmed as the words “enjoy every minute”. Like do you mean right now while my kid is spread eagle on the Target floor demanding a slushy? Do you mean when I make dinner and half of the family is crying because it looks weird? Do you mean when I…
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Being a mom is hard, and that’s okay.
Today I met some friends in town for coffee and shopping. I ended up bear hugging my four-year-old on a bench as she screamed and kicked in a level ninety-nine tantrum. A shop owner came out of a pottery store with wide eyes, but her face softened when she saw me. I’m so sorry I…
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Swearing and other things I taught my kids.
I had grand plans of the things I would teach my kids. I would teach them confidence, kindness, and a love for great books. I am still working on that, but in the meantime I’ve taught them some other gems… Swearing. Yesterday on our way to church my oldest son realized he’d forgotten something at…