Uniquely You-Finding and Being Who God Designed You to be as a Parent

As a parent I have always felt this pressure (imposed only by me really) to be “the best.” Always looking to strike that perfect balance between fun and strict, planning and going with the flow, listening to reason and following the rules, supporting their independence and doing things for them.

Guess what I’ve learned? It’s. Impossible. And also exhausting.

Believe me when I tell you, there is no such thing as a perfect parent. Let me repeat that so you can remember it clearly the next time you are feeling frustrated. There is no such thing as a perfect parent, just a parent who is using the unique strengths and abilities God has given them to navigate through the daily ups and downs of parenting.

And there are days where we feel well equipped and days where we feel less than adequate. For me, it is always specific behaviors. For example, I have a TON of patience when it comes to “reminding.” I don’t mind saying 50 times a day, “hands are not for hitting. Let’s use those hands to color a picture instead.” Same with “redirecting.” I love coming up with creative ways to move their attention from the thing they are focused on to something that is a better fit.

BUT, when it comes to a child ignoring what I have asked of them, or worse, purposely doing something I asked them to stop, I can lose it. Quickly. This mama who has all the patience in the world for reminding and redirecting 20 million times, somehow can’t hold it together when they don’t seem to be listening.

This is where I need help. This is where I need God’s wisdom and strength. There’s no better place to find encouragement than God’s Word!

When I feel overwhelmed, instead of thinking, “I can’t do this!” Or “I am not a good parent.” I instead try to say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) On really rough days I might repeat it over and over.

I also use prayer in those moments. I often will thank Him for the gifts he has given me and then ask Him for the strength and wisdom to figure out the rest.

As I look back at my own way of parenting and each of my children’s unique personalities, I better understand that God has designed me to be just who I need to be for each of them. Whether I am having a good day or a rough one, I can rest in the assurance that I am enough. I know that God has given me this gift of being a parent, not with an expectation that I will be perfect but rather that I will use the strengths He has given me and look to Him for all my other needs.

Let me pray for you and your parenting ups and downs.

Dear God I know that you have given this sweet reader the gift of parenting. What an amazing gift it is! God I just ask that on good days, you help this reader feel encouraged. That they might see the unique strengths and talents you have given them. And God, on those days that are tough, I ask that you place in them words from the scripture that remind them that you have given them all that they need. That they are enough. Remind them of their strengths and give them a sense of peace to get through that moment. Thank you God. Amen.

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Also join me next week as I dig deeper on this idea of supporting their independence while also making sure things get done. This is a tough one for me for sure!!!