30 Day Mom Challenge

Days 11 - 15

Day 11 - Tell your child "I am so glad you are my son/daughter."


What can I really write about this one other than I said it to each of the kids on day 11.  I guess the one thing I can add, is that it would probably be a nice thing to say more often.  I don't think I have ever said these exact words to my children before. 


Day 12 - Pray for wisdom in mothering your child.


The first thing I thought of when I read day 12, was a Parent's Prayer that was published in the church topic years ago.  I cut it out and pasted it into a journal of inspiration (of sorts) that I have.

A Prent's Prayer

O Heavenly Father, make me a better parent.  Teach me to understand my children, listen patiently to what they have to say, and to answer all their questions kindly.  Keep me from interrupting them or contradicting them.  Make me as courteous to them as I would have them be to me.  Forbid that I should ever laugh at their mistakes or resort to shame or ridicule when they displease me.  May I never punish them for my own selfish satisfaction or to show my power.  Let me not tempt my children to lie or steal.  And guide me hour by hour that I may demonstrate by all that I say and do that honestly produces happiness.  Reduce, I pray, the meanness in me.  And when I am out of sorts, help me, O Lord, to hold my tongue.  May I ever be mindful that my children are children and I should not expect of them the judgement of adults.  Let me not rob them of the opportunity to wait on themselves and to make decisions.  Bless me with the bigness to grant them all their reasonable requests and the courage to deny them privileges I know will do them harm.  Make me fair and just and kind and fit, O Lord, to be loved and respected and imitated by my children.

Amen 

I love this prayer.  It is extremely inspirational.

Day 13 - Do not criticize your child today.

This was not a tough one for me.  I can honestly say that I don't believe I criticize my children very often.  However I was a bit more conscious of everything I said to them on this particular day, as I wondered, was I about to say something along the lines of criticism or discipline or what??  It does make you stop and think, because at one point during the day I wondered, do I criticize them and not even know it??


Day 14 - Remember that being a mother is a gift.


I will always be thankful for the gift of motherhood.  I feel extremely lucky.  After three years of infertility, to be blessed with three children is truly miraculous.  I will never feel anything but thankful that I was given this gift.


Day 15 - Be firm when needed, but not harsh.


Nuff said!