Reason #6: You Are Taking Everyone’s Advice

Hebrews 10:24-25:

 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,

25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Listening to advice can be beneficial to you. We are encouraged to inspire one another, but God also gave each of us a mind of our own. But let’s align it with God’s will for our lives.

The choices we make are solely up to us.

What some parents, IMO, fail to realize is that you can learn from other mothers and even your children. But for that to happen, you need to listen to them. You can also learn from God if you lean on Him for understanding and wisdom.

How many of us were taught as children not to speak unless someone was talking to us? 

Do you find yourself saying the same thing to your child?

Children learn by imitating what they see.

If your child does not know how to communicate with you, their parent, the world outside your home is waiting to teach them and, you may not like it. 

If you do not like how your children reacts to correction, it may be time to teach them about boundaries. You are in a relationship with your children. They should at least learn how to communicate with you effectively. Teach them how to talk to you.

Are You Becoming Your Parents?

Life is funny.

Have you ever said that once you had children of your own, you would do things differently from what your parents did with you?

• I will not yell at my child
• I am not going to discipline my child the way my parents disciplined me
• When I become a mother, I will listen to my child
• I am going to be involved in their life

Sound familiar? And I am sure the list can go on.

Then it happens. Johnnie does something that ticks you off. Then boom! Busting through the door, in comes that parent that you said you did not want to be.

Then reality sinks in, OMGoodness! I am becoming like my mom/dad.

I mean, they did the best they could do at the time, and look how you turned out.

But when you have your own little one, the way you choose to handle certain situations may be a replica of what your parents did. Now, it does not mean you are becoming like them, nor does it mean that you are an awful parent, but it does mean that you are resorting back to what is familiar to you. 

But such is the life we live. It’s what happens when we resort back to what we grew up around or saw while growing up. 

We cling to what we think is expected of us as parents, and we momentarily lose sight of the parent that your children need you to be in that moment.

Be The Amazing Parent You Want to Be and Start Enjoying Your Motherhood Adventure

Get ready to have your mind blown!

The parent that God created you to be for your child, and the one they need to help guide them through their childhood into adulthood, may clash with how your parents raised you.

Here is a secret that I will share with you: it’s ok if you choose not to raise your child based on how your parents raised you. Every child is different and may require a new set of guidelines. So keep in mind your childhood may help you be a better parent to your child.

Listen and decide for yourself which advice you want to implement into the rearing of your children.

Consult with God to get through the confusion.

But also listen to yourself because you are the one who will ultimately conclude what is best for your child. Just know that what you think is best may not always be right, but this journey is full of lessons. Lessons that we each have to learn.

We may not always get it right, but we should strive to be and do better.

You got this, mama!

You’re a parent now. God will not leave you to fend for yourself.

He’s got you, mama!

The takeaway:

Determine who you will allow to influence you. Choose the advice that will best suit your life and current situation and move accordingly. The ones you implement into your life should move you closer to the goals you’ve set for yourself and your family.

Motherhood will always have its challenges. But once you have a plan in place, it can be more enjoyable.

(Continue to page 6)