I have two daughters.
Some people say raising girls is harder than raising boys. . . But if you ask me, raising children period is hard work. True, there are probably some different things you teach them depending on their sex and certainly different talks you have to have as they get older. . God help me when we get to this age.
As a parent, you want to give your children everything. You want to protect them, care for them, teach them, see them grow, love them.
I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want to teach my daughters. How I want to prepare them for their teenage years and adulthood. Most of all, I want them to know they are loved and I want them to be secure in who they are. As their mother, how can I help them develop into healthy, sensible, smart women?
I’m not really sure.
But, I think doing the following things will help: Be present. Talk to them daily. Ask them questions. Hug them daily. Kiss them daily. Tell them I love you everyday. Read to them. Support them. Tell them they are beautiful inside and out. Be a good role model. Teach them important, age appropriate lessons. Pray for them daily. Who else will?
Have fun with them. Play with them. Laugh and dance with them. (We’ve got this one covered for sure).
I also know I need to stop yelling and raising my voice when I’m frustrated.
Thank you, God that each day is a new one. Without that, I’d be totally screwed. So, I am very very thankful. And am continually trying to be a better mother. . for them.
Alice, I can feel with every single word you have ever written about your adorable girls how much you love them. And from getting to know you, I know that you are a strong, intelligent, hilarious, fiesty woman. I have no doubt that you are passing down everything that you know and are to your daughters. I’m not having kids so thankfully won’t have to face these fears but I have lots of nieces, nephews and a godson who I love dearly. I worry about them all the time even though I know that all we can do is provide them with a solid foundation and the rest will be up to them.
Thank you, Nancy! You and the Hubs have already decided on no kids?
Amen, sister.
Thank you, MiJin. I’m realizing that being a parent and raising children is one of the hardest but most rewarding jobs period. Just taking it one day at a time and asking for a lot of grace and wisdom.
It’s indeed a hard work, especially with kids these days. I’m part of Sunday School ministry and I realize whatever we do, speak, or act really bring impact to those kids. I’m sure you are a wonderful mom and God has placed you in their lives coz He knows that you’ll let His light shines through them.
Oh, thank you so much Linda! You are totally right about being a good example for the kids and I love that you are a part of your Sunday school ministry! How awesome is that?! Aren’t the kids a blessing? thank you for the kind words. . being a mom is definitely hard word but it’s also pretty awesome and I am very very thankful!
Aww. This post caught my eye. I have three boys. . . and one “baby” girl. I have been wondering these same things lately. And thought the same things about raising my voice when frustrated. And thought, “there has to be a better way!” than what I am doing right in this moment. And yes, YES – to thank you God for each new day and that each day IS new. Otherwise – I agree with you – I’d be screwed too!!! (and I have to admit – many days I look at my little girl and I wonder how the heck I’m going to shift to girl-gear. It’s all new territory to me and even though she’s my fourth, I feel like it’s often uncharted territory! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Sara,
one girl with 3 brothers!!! WOW, well, she will definitely be protected and probably won’t have a boyfriend for a long time. . unless the kid is brave 🙂
Seriously, I think that is so awesome! Although, I only have 2 girls . . I can only imagine the total shift in everything that you will have to do! But that’s awesome. . I’m sure you will have a wonderful bond with her!!
By the way, I love the 52 week project on your blog. . are you doing this again for 2013? Love the thinking and inspiration behind it! 🙂 Are you on Twitter?
hi! i have 5 girls the eldest is 20, 19,18 .16 and 4. i love all of them and i enjoy evry minute i’m with them. they are like my buddies..i’m a stay home mom that’s why i have all my time for them…