Personality Opportunities

One thing I have come to realize is that no how many children I have not a single one of them with have the same personality. It sounds like such an obvious statement, but living with it and embracing it can often be more than challenging.

I have a couple of children who are just easier to deal with than the others. They are easy going, for the most part and are easily pleased and entertained. I also have a couple who make me wonder some days what I was thinking becoming a parent- haha. It's for those couple that I'm writing this.

As parents we have to be the ones who can change hats quickly and be for each of our children what they need. Sometimes that really means doing things you don't want to do. There are times that I have no desire to paint nails but for one of my girls who often DEMANDS more attention its a 'special' way to hang out with her.

I have decided to look for these opportunities and really consider them opportunities for me to grow and mature rather than personality challenges. So today find that child that some (even you) might consider your challenge give them a big hug and do something fun with just them. And retrain your brain they are no longer your challenge but your opportunity to grow. God never gives us more than we can handle and there is a reason that he picked you to be the parent of that child. Remember sometimes when they are acting out they are really looking for some attention. You can not ignore the inappropriate behavior but train yourself to deal with it and let it go.

Often times as parents we feel as though we are dealing with the same things over and over again and we get frustrated and then hold onto past mistakes. When we are holding onto past mistakes whether they are our own parenting mistakes or the mistakes of our children it does nothing to promote growth in either of us. Let the past go. We are our kids first example of God; do we want to teach them that God never really forgives or lets things go? I have found that things are just better when I say less. I try not to use phrases like 'You always do that' or 'When are you going to'. They just remind the child of past failures. Speak over them what you want to see even if its not what you are seeing now. I even have my kids speak it over themselves. Teach them to repent and more on.

I've come to find that so much of parenting comes down to us (the adults) changing our reaction and improving than it does the children. Often the things you see in your child that make you feel crazy are things that you need to work on in yourself.

Be encouraged all these phases and stages will pass. Be the best you can be and watch the improvement in your child. Never hesitate to talk to God about it! He made both you and them who better to ask about how to reach that child or for ideas for 'special' time. And remember He that started a good work in you (and your child) is more than faithful to finish it.

What I've Learned About Parenting and Kids~

What I’ve learned about parenting and kids~

~ I know that no matter what they may act like they are gifts from above.

~They each possess unlimited potential and a unique calling. And its our job to draw that out of them and help them achieve all that God has for them.

~They do need to be trained.

~ Anger, negativity, and harsh words will not produce good results.

~ No matter what it looks like, when as a parent I seek God and keep Him first He will take care of my kids.

~ Kids are happy with very little and often get overwhelmed with the too many things! Keep things simple.

~ They can turn your day around and make you laugh about the silliest things.

~Children truly do say the darnedest things.

~ They grown up much too fast.

~ Often times because of their ability to adapt society as a whole asks them to do it too often.

~ Its too easy to get caught up in dealing with things of this life that sometimes the most important things such as kids can get pushed aside.

~ They hear EVERYTHING! Assume they are always listening.

~ Being a Godly example and parent is the most important job I have as a mother.

~ When kids are not getting enough positive attention and love they often demand it in other ways (usually unpleasant ways).

~ They are just totally amazing.

~ Be patient, slow to speak, careful in how to discipline. But be quick to hug, kiss, love, forgive, teach and adore.

~ Make memories that way incase you forget to take lots of picture, like parents who only have 1 child can; they still have lots to remember.

~ On the hardest of days remember that God is faithful to finish not just what He has started in you but also in your kids.

~ In the worst moment when emotions maybe high remember that feelings change. Your decision to love like God can not!

~ Sometimes schedules have to go out the window. And always make time for that ‘special occasion’.

~ You as a parent are the first examples of God your kids will ever see. What are they seeing?

~ Never get annoyed with them for finding joy in all that they do, learn from it they have something going there. Even if it often feels like time out is more of a punishment for you than them!

~ We don’t have to be perfect we do have to do the best we can and trust God to make up the difference.

just love, love, love them up cause one day they will grow and have they’re own lives and the time for snuggles in the rocker, dress up, playing Barbies, putting race tracks together and changing that dolly’s clothes for what seems like the millionth time will come to an end. Don’t be sad though a new chapter will open and as a parent your job will never be finished it just is always changing. Enjoy every minute!