As an older Mom, I have some encouraging thoughts for young Moms. In the early days of parenting, we can often feel lost and overwhelmed. But for every Mama in the throes of early parenthood, there is another seasoned mama who can encourage her in this sometimes difficult season.
I’ve been at it for more than 40 years now and have been through many ups and downs mixed with laughter and tears. Becoming a mom is the best thing that ever happened to me, but nothing could have prepared me for it! Watching my own children become parents brings back many memories for me, and I thought it might be helpful for you if I took these thoughts and put them together to encourage you as you parent your younger children.
It’s something you are aware of, but you don’t really think about it as you faithfully do what you need to do to take care of those precious little ones! You will sacrifice sleep, time, energy, and money for them without even giving it a second thought because that’s what moms do.
Realize that it DOES get better eventually, and in the meantime get as much rest as you can.
Some days it can feel like you are barely holding things together. If you have a difficult child, you may even get frustrated often. However, for every moment of frustration or feeling like a terrible mom, there are ten more of happiness, love and joy. So when you are having a tough day, try to remember the good moments and they will help get you through. You are doing an amazing job!
Set reasonable and realistic expectations about your house, and don’t stress about it not being picture-perfect at all times. As your children grow, you’ll get a better handle on the day-to-day tasks. Use these days to accept that while your house may not be getting all of your attention, your children are. And investing in them is worth every minute of your time.
When you become a mom, you will instantly feel a love that is unlike anything you have ever known. It is a fierce, all-encompassing love that will make you want to jump up and down for joy every time your baby looks at you. This love is so strong that it will literally take your breath away. It is the most amazing feeling in the world, and it only gets stronger as your child grows. Cherish this feeling, because it will stay with you forever.
When you become a mother, your whole world changes. You are now responsible for another human being and their well-being. This can be daunting, but it is also one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have.
You will quickly develop a protective instinct for your child that is as fierce as a mother bear. You will do anything to make sure they are safe and happy. This new sense of responsibility can be overwhelming at times, but it is also an amazing privilege.
Being a mom is the toughest job in the world, but it is also the most rewarding.
So don’t worry if you don’t have it all figured out right away, that’s totally normal. Just take it one day at a time and enjoy every moment with your little ones. They grow up so fast!
As a young mom, you may feel like you don’t have time for yourself. You may not have time to take a shower, or even eat a meal without someone needing your attention. While it feels like this busy stage will last forever, later on you will wish you didn’t have so much time alone. Enjoy this time with your child, it goes by quickly!
It’s completely normal to feel like you are in survival mode when your children are young. After all, they depend on you for every little thing. You barely have time to tend to even your most basic needs. Our culture sets a precedent that we as moms have to have it all together, and that we need to be busy involving our kids in many things from a young age.
But that is a lie from the enemy.
You bring the very best version of yourself to the table each and every day for your family. And if some days that means you don’t get a shower because your kids are sick, that’s ok. Or if you have to put off homeschool for an afternoon because one of your children is having an emotional day and needs extra attention, that’s ok, too.
The expectations the world (and sometimes we!) put on ourselves are not binding. If we fall short and just do the bare minimum to survive, that’s ok.
And remember, there is enjoyment even in those busy, crazy, tired times.
Teen years may present different challenges, but if you keep the relationship with your young people strong and have kept their hearts, the relationship becomes very rewarding. (For more on this, read How to Push Teens & Olders Kids Away)
All moms are trying to figure it out as they go, and often just aren’t sure what they are doing! Realize that’s where God wants you because it keeps you depending on Him.
You’ve probably heard it often, but it’s true, and you will realize later that “the days are long, but the years are short.“ Realize they may be messy and hard at times, but with God’s help and guidance you will make it through, and be a stronger, better person because of the things God teaches you as you depend on Him through your parenting years.
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.Psalm 127:3
One Response
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