3 Truths to Help on those Difficult Parenting Days

Have you ever felt unsure in your parenting?  Have you ever doubted a decision or struggled with giving a consequence?   Today is one of those days for me! 

If like me, you are lacking confidence as a mother, I want you to know you are not alone.  As I was driving home from a disagreement with my son, this thought entered my head:

• Being a mom is tough.
• Being a mom of teenagers is tougher.
• Being a single mom of teenagers is the toughest.

Parenting is the most rewarding job and the most challenging job all at the same time.

When we hit those challenges, those bumps in the road, let me offer you three truths that I had to remind myself today.

1. God handpicked you to be the mother of your children.

Of all the people in the world to be their mom, God chose you.  He knows your similarities and differences, yet He paired you together.  He knows what triggers you and frustrates them and still thinks you make a great fit. If you are doubting yourself, remember that God chose you to be their mom. 

2. God gives you His strength when you are tired and weak.

Being a mom can be tiring.  Do I hear an Amen?  In my season of raising teenagers, I feel the most tired when I need to follow through on a consequence. If I am completely honest, sometimes I want to give in just to keep the peace.  But when I think about my goal to raise responsible and respectful kids, sometimes my best yes is to stay the course.  If you are feeling alone, remember God is strengthening you.

3. God offers you His wisdom when you ask and pray for help.

Prayer is so important in parenting. I don’t know how many times I have prayed for wisdom and help when I am unsure of what to do.  God is always faithful and gives me answers whether through a friend’s wise counsel, bringing to memory something I recently learned, or a scripture verse.   My hope is that together as mom, we will see an increase in our prayer life as we raise our kids. 

Being a kid today is so different than we were kids.   Technology at their fingertips, they are growing up with different challenges than we ever had to face.  Putting ourselves in their shoes and trying to see life from their perspective is truly a gift that we can give them. 

God, please help all the moms who are struggling today.  Give us wisdom and discernment on how to parent our kids.  Help us offer empathy and understanding as we truly listen to our kids’ perspective.  Remind us how You have handpicked each of us for the special and important role as mom.   In Jesus name’ Amen.