"Shower him with hugs and kisses"... was the text I received from my husband after I sent him a message that Oskar was testing me today. I thought, hugs and kisses? This kid is driving me crazy!! He was up 3 times last night, 7 the night before, he climbs into Mischa's crib in the morning to wake her up, screams at me to wake me up, wants me to build trains the minute we come downstairs- when all I want is a coffee!- Hugs and kisses are not the first thing I am thinking about! Joey's response to me reminded me of two things. The first, and most significant is God's grace lavished on me. I'm sure I drive Him crazy most days, yet He still shows His love and mercy to me daily. I was also reminded of a book I read not long ago called "The Obedient Child" by Ken Wilson. In it I learned that when bad behavior comes from your child, it might just be that they need some love and affection from you, as the parent. When Oskar starts being naughty, the last thing I think, is Oh gee, I haven't shown him love today... But honestly, when the days are balanced between Oskar time, cleaning time and me time, the house seems to get cleaned, and I typically have a happy child which means, I am happy. Why do I forget this so often? Why do I remember these day-saving, stress-saving essentials when I'm ready to pull my hair out, exhausted from reminding him, tired of telling him off, done for the day? Just an encouragement to those moms out there who battle with their children daily: love them, even when your daily to-do list seems like it would take a full week to accomplish. The days that I have either chose to ignore Oskar's desire for my time (because I placed a priority on the housework) or when I thought he was being a brat to ruin my day, it never got better. I went to bed exhausted, frustrated and dreading the day ahead. Anybody else experiencing these things? Any other thoughts to encourage the parents out there? Anybody got tips for me how to get a 2 year old to sleep through the night?
Lord, help me remember the emotional needs of my children before I remember my to-do list for the day. Before getting frustrated, remind me Jesus that my son is just seeking my attention, and sometimes the only way to get my attention in the midst of my busyness is to misbehave. Help me be proactive and prepared to balance my time and affection with him and getting house work done. I know you are more pleased with a well-loved child than a clean house. Thank you Jesus for the reminder of Your abundant grace. Forgive me for my tantrums, disobedience, attitude that I show You at times.
Amen
~Leanne~
Lord, help me remember the emotional needs of my children before I remember my to-do list for the day. Before getting frustrated, remind me Jesus that my son is just seeking my attention, and sometimes the only way to get my attention in the midst of my busyness is to misbehave. Help me be proactive and prepared to balance my time and affection with him and getting house work done. I know you are more pleased with a well-loved child than a clean house. Thank you Jesus for the reminder of Your abundant grace. Forgive me for my tantrums, disobedience, attitude that I show You at times.
Amen
~Leanne~
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