My husband and I are preparing to go to a marriage seminar this Spring and invest in US. I love my husband more than anyone on this planet, aside from parents of course. But it will take work to make it last, and I want it to go the distance. As I was browsing their site at www.familylifetoday.com I found a blog just for mom's. I found this list at the following URL http://tinyurl.com/63ggq5v (don't wanna get busted for plagerism on my blog LOL) , called 8 Ways to be a better Mom. I thought it was very insightful, and which of us mom's can't use a little encouragement to better ourselves?? Anyway, here it is:
1. Make your relationship with the Lord your number one priority. If you’re too busy for God, you’re just plain too busy. Make time for the most important things. You won’t regret it.
2. Get a consistent routine in place. Make your routine simple (maybe even just five or seven things you want to do in the same order every day), write it out, and make yourself stick with it for three weeks. After that, you’ll probably find it’s become somewhat of a habit. Don’t set your expectations too high. If you’ve never had a consistent routine, you’re not going to go from chaos to a regimented schedule in two days. Start small, take baby steps, and make loving and enjoying your children your priority — far above a clean home or strict schedule.
3. Read aloud from a plethora of good books. Look at the pictures together. Talk about the stories. Stop and listen and answer your children’s questions. It’s not about finishing the book; it’s about investing in your children’s lives.
4. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Ask yourself, “What will matter 25 years from now?” and then live your life accordingly.
5. Take advantage of teaching opportunities. It’s amazing the things you can learn and explore together when you’re willing to stop what you’re doing and seize a teachable moment.
6. Praise your children liberally. Do you correct or criticize your children more than you praise them? As parents, it’s our role to guide and nurture our children, but that doesn’t mean we can’t also be their biggest cheerleader!
7. Realize that no mom — however put together she might look — is anywhere near perfect. Stop comparing. Stop feeling guilty. Focus on what works for your family and be okay with the fact that you aren’t gifted in all areas.
8. Don’t give up. Being a mom is hard, hard work. If you’re anything like me, you have days when you feel like you just can’t do it anymore. And I’ve come to learn that I can’t, in and of my own strength. But “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
I believe I could use some improvement in #'s 1,3,4,and 6 the most. Being a mom is hard sometimes (especially if also working full time like yours truly) ...but we CAN with Christ's help!! Hang in there sister... Our kids are our legacy...let's invest in them a very special part of ourselves, so that they will be prepared for life. Next time you feel too rundown to read them a story, do it anyway. It will matter....and it is way more rewarding to see your child smile then catching up on that TV show you wanted to watch!! Those Hollywood actors/actresses don't idolize you like your children do. I will endeavor to do better, what about you??
Yes, Amy. It IS hard. And, many times, as I did, we do the best we can in the situation we find ourselves in. I know I tried but failed in many ways too. But this is a good list. And, remember. You kids LOVED my reading to you. My fondest memories are of all you cuddled up on the bed with me laughing over some book or asking me questions about something that was read. I do believe you kids are good writers because of that investment. Course, our paths were different and full-time work takes a lot out of you. Just set your goals low there hon. Read maybe 5 min. or 1 chapter of a cute chapter book (or 1/2 if it is long). Just a little goes a long way. Maybe do KEYS FOR KIDS to give them a devotional at same time. You can find it online and you kids loved that.
ReplyDeleteI am so very proud of you honey. You are a good mommy and homemaker. And I'm really proud that you and Josh are going to the marriage seminar. That is the singlemost important things you can do for your kids and my grandkids...have a strong, loving, caring close marriage.
I'm find out from my reading about all the things Dad & I didn't know. We got busy and focused on lifestuff and kid rearing. Our marriage went on the back burner. Not good. I'm praying you don't make the same mistakes I did hon. That's my prayer.
Love the blog. Keep it up. What a great habit! Wish I had kept a journal but can't kick myself about it. Raising 3 kids, homeschooling 3 kids, housekeeping, etc. and part-time work kept me pretty busy too!