Today, I will be one among the many out shopping during this tax~free holiday. For school supplies? No. We are done with that like most families are. I need maternity clothes! And as we begin to prepare for our fourth child, I cannot help but think of the type of mother I am and wonder if I could do better.
I think it is only natural for mothers to assume they are terrible at child-rearing. I often feel guilt for anything and everything. Do I spend enough time with my children? Am I balancing life well? Will they need therapy later in life?
Then, the other day, a God-given thought popped into my brain.
I am trustworthy with the well-being of my children. Attempting creative methods, I bring in added income to our budget and try to be a good steward with the money which God entrusts to us. I am not addicted to drugs nor am I an alcoholic.
I try to raise my children to know and love God. I attempt to teach them moral behavior by example and through deliberate instruction. I show them how to love every person regardless of race, religion or financial status.
I feed my children three meals and two snacks per day, including fresh fruits and vegetables. I give them a warm bed to sleep in and they are sheltered in our (albeit cluttered but safe) home. They have clean clothes to wear and books to read. Their shoes fit and are without holes. Although they do not get the newest digital what-nots, they have plenty of toys with which to play.
I dress modestly and teach them to do the same. Although I may not wear makeup each time I leave the house, I make sure that I am not an embarrassment to my family.
My children laugh daily and are hugged often. They know I love them, not just because of what I do but because I tell them several times a day, especially after discipline. Yes, I discipline my children, but appropriately and with reason.
I make mistakes. I admit to the children that I make mistakes. I apologize genuinely. But, if I can honestly say all of this, I must be a pretty good mother. I need to give myself more credit.
What about you? Have you focused on the negative? Do you fret over what you could have done like I often do? I encourage you to sit down and make a list of the positive things about yourself and your mothering techniques. Keep them in your Bible or somewhere that you can review them when you are feeling guilty or down. I think you will find that you are a pretty good mother too.
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Oh Penny, you’ve read my heart!! I struggle with self-doubt about my mothering all the time. Thank you for this post!