Here is a post by a mom who’s walked my path. I definitely appreciate what she has to say here!
She ends her post with this paragraph-and it’s my wish too (emphasis mine):
I used to be harsh and critical of parents who couldn’t seem to control their kids. That was before God humbled me. Please, please have grace for struggling families. None of us can really know what is going on behind the behaviors we see. The method that produced wonderful children for one of us may prove disasterous in another family. There is no formula. Instead of assuming, pray; smile and give a listening ear. There is a handful of people in my life who have done that for me, and they are cherished.
This is a very good reminder! We all have our “areas” we (or our children) struggle with, and we need to remember to pray for each other in all these areas!
Thanks!
i think about this issue a lot. We have all been in the department store or whatever where the kids are throwing tantrums of whatever and the mom (or dad) is doing seemingly nothing about it. But I have come to realize that we all have really no idea what is going on with someone else. Every mom is doing the absolute best that she knows how, given the tools that she has. There are no classes to take to tell you how to be a good parent, and really, it’s all a matter of personal interpetation too–what makes so-and-so a good mom may be completely different for someone else. We have no right to judge others on the rules we have for ourselves.
it’s always a kind of affirmation when someone else has been thinking of the same thing you have—makes you feel connected. thanks amy–hope all is well with you!
I needed this today! :o) We just had an exasperating day this weekend at my SIL’s whom I jokingly call Martha Stewart. My kids were pretty good, but her tolerance level was pretty low. She tries hard, but…It was ds’s birthday party with teh family, so naturally the kids are all hyped up and happy! We always leave feeling criticized! We are pretty strict with our kids in some ways, but they still need to be kids. We have two girls who are totally kinesthetic like little wild monkey boys! LOL Anyway, reading this, it was nice to be reminded I am not alone in the struggle. :o)