Do you ever feel like ” the worst mom ever “? We all do sometimes. The question is what should we do with those feelings? How do we overcome them?
It’s funny what you can find when you take a look through your blog’s archives. I didn’t even realize I’ve been writing here at MississippiMom.com for more than FIVE years. Time flies when your life is full, doesn’t it? A lot has changed in the past few years. We went from two kids to four overnight, you know. Some things, however, don’t change very much.
I still make mistakes. My kids do, too. We still have to love and forgive each other daily so when I came across the following post in the archives, I found I needed to hear these words today. Maybe you do, too….
I am the “worst mom ever.”
My son told me so.
Just now.
And, he’s not the first.
His older sister has told me the same thing.
His younger sisters will, too.
I’ve even told myself a time or twenty.
The thing is: we have vastly different opinions on what makes me the “worst mom ever.”
What Makes me ” The Worst Mom Ever “?
I feel like the “the worst mom ever ” when I know in my heart I’ve been bad. Bad temper, bad mood, bad mouth. Angry, impatient, and uninterested. Those are my “ worst mom ever ” moments. And, I grieve over them.
My kids see my “ worst mom ever ” moments as the ones I know are good. The holding of ground. The determination of discipline. The expectation of respect. Moments I admit are hard. Very hard. But not my “worst.” Far from it.
Though today it doesn’t feel like it. Sometimes , we moms are tempted to believe that to be “liked” by our children is more important than to be respected by them. Obeyed by them. And, we are certainly tempted to believe it would be easier.
And, today, it probably would be.
But, this parenting thing is not about today.
It’s about tomorrow and the day after that and the day after that. In fact, it’s about eternity.
And, teaching them what is important.
A struggle that may feel like a failure in our lives today might bring a future victory in theirs.
Actually, I believe it WILL bring victory as they grow. Because “faith is being sure of what we hope for.”
So, if you ever have to join me at the top of “ the worst mom ever ” list, know you are not alone. And, look out from the view to the far future and believe that “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:11)
(You can find the original post here.)
I have been there too. Love this line: “We are tempted to believe that to be “liked” by our children is more important than to be respected by them.” Needed that. TY!
So glad you stopped by!