Parenting Realization

Lucas is an absolute joy; he has such a fun, crazy personality and is full of energy.  He's so curious and ready to learn.  He's such a blessing in my life and I am so proud to be his mom.  But sometimes, Lucas is difficult.  And as he's getting into his second year, I am definitely understanding the "terrible twos."  He's so independent and wants to do everything his way and on his terms.  Sometimes, it's hard to not view him as a hassle, instead of the blessing he really is.  And my attitude toward him can quickly turn to just pointing out all the "nos" rather than engaging him and guiding him and really helping him blossom.

I have been thinking and praying a great deal about our parenting, as Lucas enters this new stage in his life.  And I have come to the realization that I need to start viewing Lucas as a flower; a flower doesn't develop and bloom by being yelled at or by its' owner being impatient.  Flowers bloom when you purposely and patiently nurture it.  So, I'm going to focus more on how I respond to Lucas, in a more purposeful and patient way.  I need to work on me and the way I respond to him first, and hopefully he will therefore learn how to better handle his frustrations as a toddler.


I have also discovered that he needs more quality time with his mama.  His love language is most certainly quality time and in the past, I have not focused on providing him with enough quality time.  Even on nights and days when we are together, I'm not all that purposeful about getting down to play with him and be on his level.  I'm always getting work done or working around the house or busy some other way, not being intentional in spending time with him.  So, I am going to focus more on providing him with this time he so craves.

Travis and I have made a decision to start being WAY more purposeful in what we say to him and do with Lucas.  Please pray for us as we learn to be more effective parents for Lucas.  

God is teaching me to slow down and savor my time.  Savor my time with Him... Savior my time with Travis... Savior my time with Lucas....  Thank you God!  

Dear Lucas,

To my precious baby boy; I hope you never forget how much your Mommy loves and cherishes you.  The day you were born was full of excitement and joy and an overwheming sense of love for you. Over the past year, I have seen you grow and develop into a curious and happy toddler.  I love your sense of adventure and pray that you hold onto this throughout your life.  Mommy wants you to learn about the world and see how other people live.  Yesterday, your daycare called me at work to say you were sick and someone needed to come get you.  I jumped right in the car and swooped you into my arms.  I will never forget the joy I felt as you snuggled into me in the waiting room and on the couch.  Turns out, you have double ear and a throat infection.  I'm sorry I didn't take you to see Dr. Larson sooner.  You must have a real high pain tolerance like  your Daddy, because I would have been more grumpy if it was me.  Nope, not you!  You're always smiling and silly, even this morning when Grandma Sharon came through the door to watch you- you brought out that big smile.  So precious!  Lucas, I just want to remind you how passionately I love you.  Never forget it!  I know in the future you will push my buttons, cause many sleepless nights and more drama than I ever could imagine, and bring tears to my eyes because of hurt words; But there is nothing you can ever do that will cause me to stop loving you.  As I grow old and possibly start to forget you, remember that you will always be my precious baby.  Forgive me when I fail you as a parent, because I'm sure there will be moments when I'm inconsistent, crabby, or impatient.  I will try my hardest to be the best example possible for you.  I love you dear Lucas. 
Love always,
Mommy

Worst Parent of the Day Award

Wow!  What a ridiculous day to say the least!  Let's start from the beginning... I have been sick for a little over a month now with sinus and cold issues.  I'm always too stubborn to go to the doctor right away, in hopes that the sickness will go away on its own.  Yesterday, I decided to give in and go get checked out since it has only gotten worse.  Come to find out, I have a double ear infection and a sinus infection. He put me on antibiotics, which always mess up my body.  They make me extra tired and upset my stomach greatly. 

That's where today starts.  I could not force myself to get out of bed this morning.. I am SO sleepy and feel like I didn't sleep at all.  And my ears hurt, yuck!  :(  When I finally decided to look at the clock, it was 8:30!  I had to be to work at 8:00- I must have turned my alarm off instead of hitting snooze.  No big deal though.. I didn't have scheduled clients or volunteers this morning.  I get up, pack Lucas' diaper bag, put chicken for supper tonight in the crockpot, get Lucas and I dressed, and head to work. 

Lucas started grumpy around 9:45, so I go to make a bottle.  That's when my day takes a plunge for the worse!  I realized that I had not packed a bottle!  :)  LOL!  I just laugh.  I then pack Lucas up and drive back home, which is luckily only 10 miles.  It actually turned out well because I got to check the chicken and see if my W2 was in our mailbox. 

I just keep smiling and remind myself that life could be FAR worse than this.  These are just the small struggles.  As long as I continue to have a positive attitude, I know that I can handle anything that I am faced with.  God is on my side and will see me through rough mornings!  :)  Have a great day friends!

Child's Independence

Lord help me not to do for my children what they can do for themselves
Help me not to give them what they can earn for themselves
Help me not to tell them what they can look up for themselves.
Help me to help my children stand on their own two feet and to grow into responsible, disciplined adults.

by Marion Wright Edelman

 

In my parenting, I will try to: 

- Let Lucas fail sometimes, asking him if he needs help up afterwards

- Give him chores and responsibilities appropriate to his age

- Take extra time when teaching, to ask questions instead of giving answers

- Having high expectations for his behavior

- Believing that he will accomplish everything he sets out to do.