It’s funny how kids wreck your idea of how things should be.
Two of my children this weekend impressed me with their sudden grown-up like behavior. Another is still young enough to be considered In-Training Mode.
And the last one, old enough to know what is expected?
Disrespectful. Disobedient.
My reaction?
Anger. Frustration. Embarrassment.
And I know what the real problem is… my pride.
I worry how I look in public.
I hate looking like a bad mom.
I despise not having it all together, undone by a Little Person in my own tribe.
Am I the only mother who needs to let go of the idea of perfection and control?
I suspect I’m not.
Related posts:
Related posts:
- My first Compassion International advocate presentation: An unexpected lesson And the lesson was learned by me. Yesterday, as I...
- Understanding the choices of Nadya Suleman My first reaction to hearing about Nadya Suleman and her...
- Yet more thoughts on contentment Thanks for the encouraging words this week, friends. It’s nice...
you are SO not the only one! I am usually very confident as a parent, but nothing undermines that confidence like having my kids act up in public. I get hot, sweaty, red-faced, and my parenting goes down the tubes as I try to MAKE them behave to save face. I try to remind myself that the proof of my parenting isn’t going to be how they act on any one day but what kind of adults they turn into. But I know that’s easier said than done when they’re behaving like animals in line at the grocery store…
Meagan Franciss last blog post..happy
Hilarious! I remember…especially when my son asks me, “What was I thinking?” about his clothing choices as he looks at pictures of his younger self. It’s about picking battles, isn’t it? Teachable moments? Maintaining at least a fingernail hold on sanity? I remember.
And I still remember when so many folks now play the “Look what my child is doing — the grown up version” Ugh.
Is my child (the adult! how did that happen?) growing in God? Living his life as God directs?
Is he making good choices for himself and seeking wise counsel? I care about these issues.
I don’t care that he’s not driving a luxury car, buying a house, getting married, or any other milestone the world measures. I kinda care that he’s no longer on our health insurance because he has his own (yay!). ;D
definitely not the only one.
I had included “embarrassed head nodding” bracketed in arrows. Must’ve thought that was HTML or something. (what was that about control??? ha ha. Besides, I couldn’t do HTML without some good example before me or handholding…anyway, commiserating with you!)
LOL. Yeah, I have no idea what you mean!;)
Actually, I have spent about a year now letting this go, and I’d guess I’m not even half-way there. I was really convicted in a Bible study that my aim is not to raise well behaved children. Shocker! It will ultimately be a result of my goal, but my goal is only to raise children who obey God. This little, and of course really obvious, shift has been life-changing for me.
Oh, no! You’re not the only one in this! I am right there with you.
Nope not the only one!!!
Mels last blog post..Paying Lip Service
Twitter: WriterMommy
I’m trying not to laugh because I have a similar post sitting in my “DRAFT” pile.
You’re not the only one, dearie!
Mariannes last blog post..Insane Canine + Snow {YouTube}
write it, girl!
thanks to all for the encouragement. I’m feeling the love…
Here’s a question: have they opened a new aisle in your grocery store just to get you and your screaming children out faster? It’s happened to me twice. They told me I was disturbing the other customers.
I need to start a facebook group for people like us, mothers who have suffered (and survived!) public humiliation thanks to their children. But don’t sweat it, chickie. Everyone is a perfect parent until they have children. And then they understand what life is really like.
Tanya Denniss last blog post..Mama Loves: Attitudes of Gratitude
You win, Tanya. I get looks from people, but never hustled out of the grocery store. That’s probably because as soon as mine are old enough at 3 years, I put them in the most wonderful place – a play area (with adult supervision) so I can shop.
Been there. Done that. I own all the t-shirts so if you want to order one you have to get them from me.
Angels last blog post..What Do You Want?