Lessons I've learned from being a mother

I was tagged several weeks ago by my friend, Michelle, to blog about lessons I've learned from motherhood. While I am very late in responding (sorry, Michelle!) and I am by no means an expert in parenting, here we go...



1. Don't blink because time really does go by so fast! Children are a blessing from God and are only given to us for a very short period of time. We have to make the most of every moment and not take a day for granted.

2. Stop and smell the roses! Just sit, observe and listen to your children playing. Take it all in. Laugh at their giggles and appreciate their creativity with their imaginative play. Memorize their smiles and wipe away their tears. Listen to their quiet breaths as they sleep. And remember that each breath is a gift from God.

3. Appreciate each child for their own uniqueness. Even identical twins have their own identity. We have to avoid comparing siblings and accept each child for who they are.

4. God has blessed our children with a unique appearance, personality and gifts. It is our job to help bring those talents out and cultivate them. Who knows? You may have a future astronaut, scientist, doctor, artist or teacher living beneath your nose!

5. Treat your children with respect and they will show you mutual respect, as well. If you have to discipline your children in public or in front of their friends, take them to the side. Do it quietly and in private - no one likes to be humiliated or embarassed in front of others.

6. Be your child's biggest cheerleader! No one loves or knows your child better than you do. Be their encourager and watch your tone of voice when you speak to them. Nothing kills the spirit of a child like a parent who is supposed to love their children unconditionally, yet when they speak to them it's negative and condensending. Speak truth and discipline in love.

7. Above all else, teach your children to love, fear and respect their Creator, God. Do daily devotionals together. Pray together. Read the Bible together. Attend church together. And in serving God, teach them the importance of serving others, as well.



If you just read my blog, you have now been tagged! What to do: share with us and your readers a lesson that you learned from your own mom, a special mom in your life, or while raising your own children. There’s no right or wrong answer - just lessons that each of us can learn and implement with our own children. It can be very simple!!! Link your post back to this blog, leave a comment below so we can visit and learn from you, and then tag 2-3 other moms to participate.

Now, go give your kids a hug and tell 'em you love 'em! They need to hear it and hear it often!