That is, the idea that "I, as my child's mother, know what is best for them."
This is not to come across as controversial or argumentative, but to draw attention to a fact that is a comfort...
I would like to admit that I don't always know what's best for my child. I would love to. But I don't. Sometimes I think I do, and I'm right. And sometimes I think I do, and I'm wrong. It wouldn't make life easy per se, but I do think it'd make it easier.
It's easy to feel pressured to know what's best, or at least to claim that. But when I'm truthful with myself, I remember how I call this whole parenting thing an "adventure", and that's how it feels. Sometimes it's total guesswork and sometimes it's trial-and-error and sometimes you learn from mistakes and sometimes you experience success! An adventure is full of question marks. I don't know about you, but I feel like that describes my daily life fairly well.
- When it comes to medical situations... I'm okay with not always knowing what's best for my child - I'm thankful there are doctors that have spent multiple years and thousands of dollars to learn what they need.
- When it comes to eating, sleeping, schedules... I'm okay with not always knowing what's best for my child - I'm thankful for older moms who share what they've learned about those things.
- When it comes to discipline... I'm okay with not always knowing what's best for my child - I'm thankful for my parents and their example, for their humble admittance to not knowing everything but also their willingness to advise.
- When it comes to teaching them about God... I'm okay with not always knowing what's best - I'm thankful for a big Christian family who will be there, shining their lights for my children to see.
God has given me the responsibility to care for my child. He hasn't given me the task of knowing everything. Instead, He's provided me with everything I need. Thank Him for that.
#mondaymomthoughts
