What is the one thing you wish you could tell all mothers?

Just a few weeks ago I was asked and given the opportunity to speak at a local MOPS meeting. The idea was for three women to share what they’ve learned during those precious years of raising preschoolers, so that those listening could share in that wisdom. My heart was stirred in remembrance of those preschool years with my beautiful children and the tough necessary lessons that I learned along the way.

It was truly an honor for me to be a part of this panel of women.

Listed below are a few of the questions that were given to us in advance:

1. What is the one thing you wish you could tell all mothers?
2. How did you encourage sibling love and care for each other?
3. Hindsight 20/20 what is one thing you would change now that you can look back on the young parenting years?

To tell you the truth, I struggled with some of the questions and prayed that God would show me what it was He desired for me to share with these moms. God faithfully showed me, reminded me, and taught me new things that I needed to share.

One way that He showed me was through a homeschooling workshop, based on the book “Laying Down the Rails of Good Habits.” For the first time I was introduced to the wisdom of Charlotte Mason. I sat speechless listening to the simple basic truth that laying down the “rail” of good habits is essential and that it’s not too late to replace the ones that aren’t so good.  As a parent I’m responsible for teaching my children these things.  Not the school or even the church.  (And yes, I have some terrible habits that require adjusting!)

Hindsight 20/20: Have you ever been told you reap what you sow? To me the same thing applies here.   In the first five years (preschool), my children soaked in everything (including habits) that I said and did, plus the attitude that went along with it towards Mark, friends, and family.  I now am reaping what I did well and what I didn’t. For example teaching my children how to play well together doesn’t come naturally for them, who knew?

As you rear your children, I encourage you to show them the “how”, not just tell them to do it.  Show them how to play well and to share, etc. Allow them to learn along side you in maintaining your home, reading your Bible, praying, etiquette, respecting others, loving others… all with attention, obedience and truth.

Everyday my children teach me, as I lead them to be who God has created them to be, nobody ever said it was going to be easy.  I must fight for them, protect them, love them. “Train up a child in the way that he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates.”

 

The question that was first given to me I now give to you… What is the one thing you wish you could tell all mothers?