It felt like yesterday when I remember how it felt holding my newborn baby in my arms for the first time and calling myself ‘mommy’. I felt strange, unusual, overwhelming, happy and excited all at the same time. In awe, told myself, ‘I’m a ‘Mommy’!’. Today I watched my three teenagers, and I’m still in awe of how much they have grown. They are God’s handiwork, His masterpiece.
Children are a gift from God, and it is our responsibility and joy to nurture them to be all that God created them to be. Parenthood can be overwhelming, but it is rewarding. My first tip would be starting with us, parents. As much as is required of us, we need first to love ourselves and let that love flow through us. When we take time to take care of ourselves and learn to destress, we gather strength, and we can put our best self forward for our family. The bible says,
"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)
To wait takes patience, time, it means to hold on. As we wait on God, take time to stop, take a break, pray and rest, and we will find strength in Him.
We are to demonstrate love, patience, tolerance, peace, joy, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness and self-control to our children. These are not easy, especially when we are stressed, frustrated and exhausted. Being in a negative emotional state will only produce anger, hatred and bitterness resulting in us scolding and yelling at our children. We need to strengthen our mind and emotions.
Coming up next... Tips and tools for how we can strengthen our mind and emotions as parents on Parenthood.
As much as is required of us, we need first to love ourselves and let that love flow through us. When we take time to take care of ourselves and learn to destress, we gather strength, and we can put our best self forward for our family.