I find it really hard to parent my daughter Naomi.
She is a wonderful person much of the time, in many ways. She has talents in various areas and and is a faithful friend. She can be sweet and kind to her brothers and other smaller children. She can be very helpful around the house. I especially admire the way she sings whenever she has a job to do -- she can be very cheerful!
But there are some characteristics of hers that I really struggle with. I know that sometimes I should simply lower my expectations and remember that she's only 7. Other times, I should be more pro-active and look for ways to truly address her problems instead of waiting 'til I'm reacting like a volcano. And all the time, I should be praying for her, something I've sadly neglected.
I bought a book a few years ago called "Just Mom and Me Having Tea" that has Bible studies, activities and question/answer ideas for moms to do with their daughters. I'd like to set aside time to spend with Naomi regularly to go through this book and hopefully build up a better relationship. Maybe doing that first will give me a more positive outlook, in preparation for the more difficult issues.
I pray that God will help me be a better mom. I can not do this job well on my own.
2 comments:
I like the idea of going through the book together, trying some of the things suggested.
And, of course, prayer! It's so wonderful to pray about something, and then note a change.
The hard thing for you is to have some individual time with each of your three children. But even once or twice a week with Naomi would be great for building the foundation of love needed when there are problems to deal with.
Dad & I pray for you and Steve as well as the three children every day.
Love,
Mom G.
Lisa, even the fact that this is on your heart tells me that you're a good mom to Naomi, and that things can get easier. I know Kate and I get along better when we have more one on one time. But that can be hard to carve out when you have two, let alone three children!
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