Oh, the life of a mother of littles. Exhaustion. Beauty. Pain. Excitement. Warmth. Tears. Laughter. Doubt. Faith.
I’ve thought back over my mothering years and what I’ve learned, what I’m learning, what I still have ahead of me to learn. Oh it brings on all of those aforementioned feelings and emotions. How does one keep a positive focus, unwavering faith, and a calm presence when one is daily, minute by minute, experiencing all of these things? What does one even say about it? Do I need to? I know there is a huge market out there for parenting advice; for advice on raising perfect little angels. I don’t have that. I can’t say I’m an expert. I can’t tell you that I’m raising perfect little people. What I do know is that we make mistakes. We learn. We live.
EVERYONE has an opinion on parenting these days. Social media has brought on an onslaught of opinions both negative and positive. It has handed us countless articles on how to raise our children and what is wrong with parenting these days. You’ll see or hear the opinions when walking through a store. Just one moment of a kid misbehaving or a parents raised voice in a public setting and there is bound to be a disapproving look or a voiced opinion. Fortunately I’ve had the exact opposite happen as well; a kind and sympathetic smile, a helpful soul opening a door or picking up a dropped item. Which scenario do you think has boosted my spirits and my confidence more? The moment I feel a connection, an authenticity, and a supportive spirit that’s when I feel the burden lighten. That’s when I know I’m doing okay. When I know other parents are doing okay. That while there are many problems, many issues, many differing ideas.. there IS support. There IS community. The village IS still there though not always visible. It hasn’t completely vanished into a vast database of “10 steps to the perfect child” books, articles, opinions. There ARE others out there FEELING and LIVING with the doubts and the joy.
Authenticity. That’s what I strive for in my life. That’s what speaks to the soul of a tired mother. Knowing that there are others who KNOW the darkness that parenting sometimes brings but simultaneously KNOW the joy that the same parenting provides. That’s when the support is real. That’s when the burden lightens. That’s when you know that you’re doing okay.
Sincerely, Sara 
Giving prayer support from afar.
And the doubts/joy combo as a mom is lifelong. 🙂
Oh I’m sure it is!
Excellent post. I absolutely agree. There are far too many judgemental people out there and not only voicing their opinions on parenting. There’s a lot to be said for keeping your opinion to yourself unless it’s asked for.
Thank you! It’s so easy to write an opinion when you don’t see the other persons face.. hence social medias dark side! Of course there are those that find it easy to voice their opinions TO peoples faces as well. We all need to be gentle with eachother. It’s harsh enough a world we live in.
Every parent child relationship is different. Only you can know what is right for you. From what I have seen in the past I am sure you are a great parent. None of us are perfect. 🙂
Thanks for your encouragement! It’s amazing how opinions are so easily and quickly tossed around these days. This was one of those posts that I hope can encourage other mothers of young ones that there are others going through similar things and that there IS a community.. it just needs to be found out! As I hear stories from other mothers, one of my main words of advice for parents-to-be would be to watch out on Social Media! It can grab you, it often isn’t real and heartfelt, and it can tear down your confidence as a parent! I think it is one of the hardships of parenting today since opinions are put out seemingly anonymously and without worry of others feelings.