Still playing catch up…
Day 16: Picture what you want your child to be like at age 25. Mother with that in mind today.
I’m going to do this one tomorrow. Kids grow up so fast. I can’t imagine Macy, Steven, and Logan being a year older…let alone when they’re 25. I want them to be healthy and happy young adults who love their Lord, their family and friends, and their lives. I want my children to be compassionate, passionate, and kind. I want them to be able to laugh at themselves, but constantly strive to be a better version of themselves. I want them to know that, no matter what, that they have parents who love them.
Day 17: Laugh with your child today.
I know I’m biased, but my kids are hilarious. Macy and Steven both love to make people laugh…and as bad as it sounds, I can’t help but giggling at Logan’s pouty face.
Day 18: Who is a mom you admire? What quality of hers can you live out today?
Obviously my mom tops this list because she’s my mom and I think she’s supermom (I’ve spotted her cape hiding in the closet). Over the years other mom’s have been added to this list…some are like mothers to me and some are like mothers to my children. These moms share incredible qualities that I want to strive for every day. They share their love of the Lord with their children, are patient, compassionate, and gentle but firm.
Day 19: Teach your child one thing he can do on his own today.
Macy is learning to buckle herself into her car seat.
Steven is learning to communicate with us more every day.
Logan is learning to hold his head up and follow with his eyes.
Day 20: Today’s focus patience.
I’ve been trying to be more patient every day since I started this challenge. Some days have been easier than others.
Day 21: Forgive yourself when you mess up.
Can I just be more patient again? I’m not really good at giving myself a break, however, having a 3 year old, a 1 1/2 year old, and a 2 month old has been teaching me to give myself a break…I’m not super nanny, Martha Stewart, or Wonder Woman and that’s okay.
Day 22: How do you want your child to remember you? Be that mom today.
I want my children to remember me as being loving, forgiving, a good listener, fun…and lots of other good qualities, but I also want them to remember me as imperfect. I want them to know that I mess up, but that I have a Father who forgives me and then use those mess ups to grow.
Day 23: Replace sarcasm with kindness.
Thankfully, I don’t think I’m very sarcastic with my kids…possibly because they’re too young to catch any sarcasm. This is one I need to focus on as they get older.
Day 24: Do not interrupt your child while he is talking.
One of my children doesn’t talk…I’m still hoping for a coo. Another one of my children is only starting to speak in 2 word sentences. Then there’s the oldest child…now she likes to talk!! I love that I can communicate with her and she loves that she can communicate with everyone she sees (ask her how old she is and she’ll tell you proudly that she’s 3 and that she peepee’s in the potty). She is the best speech teacher that Steven could have asked for…he’ll stay anything for her. I hope that I never get in the habit of interrupting her.
Day 25: Ask your child’s opinion sometime today.
Every time I tell Macy what we’re about to do she tells me her opinion…ie. Macy we’re going to the park to play and have a picnic…”That’s a great plan Mommy!”…Macy, we’re going to take a nap as soon as we get home…”Mommy, I don’t think that’s a good plan”
Day 26: Make it a point to encourage your child today.
I think after being a teacher for 6 years, encouragement is kind of hard wired into me…which is a good thing! I love being at home to encourage my own children now!!
Tadaa! All caught up! I realize that catching up days at a time isn’t the same as remembering the challenge every day, but I will forgive myself for messing up and hopefully finish the last 4 days strong. 😉