Tips and truths learned from experience in parenting. Experience is the best teacher, and these are the things I’d say to my younger self about being a mom. Parenting tips, encouragement and wisdom for moms is vital to the parenting journey. 

The Challenge of Being a New Parent

“My how time flies” is one of the. most common parenting quotes I’ve heard and said. When I remember what it was like to be a new parent it is like entering a time warp. How can twenty-eight years pass so quickly? The little boy (isn’t he cute?!) in the photo above is now 28. Twenty-eight years of joy, hard work, love, challenge, and many blessings.

Remembering the Day I Became a Mom

In my last post, I shared the story of my first day as a mom. How I sat on the hospital bed in a puddle of tears. Tears of exhaustion, wonder, overwhelm, and fear. I remember thinking, “When I checked into the hospital a few days ago, I was just me.  Now I am a mother. I’m leaving the hospital with a baby and a car seat that I’m not quite sure how to work.”

“What if I can’t do this? I have no idea how to be a parent.” The baby class taught us how to change a diaper and give a bath, but somehow this just isn’t enough preparation to bring a baby home from the hospital.

A few days later my mother in law, the baby pro, came to help out. She raised four boys and walks on water. I tried to learn everything about being a parent in those two short weeks.

I begged her not to leave.

Though parenting is one of the great joys in life, we can struggle under the weight of responsibility. If I could go back and sit on that hospital bed with my twenty-seven-year-old self. I’d bring a big cup of coffee, a pound of chocolate, and an extra dose of encouragement. And I would pass along a few things I’ve learned along the way.

Things I’d Say to My Younger Self About Being a  Mom

• You can do this. You don’t have to be an expert to begin the parenting journey. You will learn and grow far more than you can imagine at this moment. You can do lot’s of mommy things and you have wisdom in your heart. You are stronger than you know.(Philippians 4:13).

• Trust God to grow you into the best parent you can be. Parenting isn’t just for raising children–it is also for growing up parents. Never forget that God has entrusted you with children and will help you where you struggle if you will seek Him diligently (Proverbs 3:5-6).

• Pray every day. Pray for your children, for your parenting, and your marriage daily. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you pray and give you wisdom (Philippians 4:6-7, Romans 8:26).

• Teach your children to love God and live by His word. [tweetthis hidden_hashtags=”#parentingtips #parentingadvice”]No one can teach your children the blessing of following God like you can. [/tweetthis] Keep His words in your heart and in your conversation. Read them Bible stories and point out God’s faithfulness in the little things each day (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

• Be willing to wait. Today is not the end of the story. Some days and phases seem to inch along. Your baby will sleep through the night someday. The days of tantrums will pass. There will come a day when your child no will longer cling to your leg or grab hold of your shirt with messy hands. All the hard things will pass as you both grow through them. Be willing to wait and let nurture, time, and wisdom do its job. Some days may seem long, but the years are short. (Galatians 6:9)

• Find a godly mentor mom. Build a friendship with a more experienced Christian mom. These moms will encourage and advise you, helping you to overcome challenges and grow in faith. God is going to put some amazing women in your life to help you along the way (Titus 2:3-5).

• Set realistic goals and expectations. Even though your child watches Baby Einstein videos, they probably won’t learn algebra before preschool. Many frustrations of parenting come when we expect a two year old to have the self-control of a five year old. Unrealistic expectations frustrate kids as well (Ephesians 6:4).

• Don’t let nagging, complaining, or whining become the norm in your family. Negative attitudes are contagious and can become bad habits. Both kids and adults can struggle with these unpleasant behaviors. Never forget encouraging words empower our children (Philippians 2:14).

• Laugh often and let yourself play. Make the most of your days and enjoy the little blessings along the way. Master the art of building with blocks, cherish the hilarious things kids say, and put on a ballet tutu and twirl. It’s easy to get bogged down with chores, tasks, attitudes, and stress. Find joy in the small ordinary moments with laughter and play (Proverbs 17:22).

• Don’t underestimate the importance of rest. Tired children are cranky kids, and weary mommies get fussy too. Exhaustion warps perspective, making small problems seem like the end of the world. Don’t buy into lie that your child doesn’t need a regular bed time. Nap time is a blessed space; keep a rest time in your schedule even after your child stops sleeping during naps. Physical rest is important and spiritual rest is too. (Lamentations 3:22-23).

• Frequently evaluate your schedule, routines, and discipline. Do you need to reset boundaries, add a new challenge, simplify a crazy schedule? Undo chaos in your home is generally a sign you need to reset. Make adjustments as the need arises.

• Don’t neglect discipline and training. You are the parent, it’s your job to say no when needed and to enforce wise rules (Hebrews 12:11). Teach your children manners and model kindness. (Ephesians 4:32).

• Enjoy your kids every day. You will never have this day, this age again. Don’t let the hard moments cloud joy and appreciation of the gifts you have. Build the habit of seeking joy each day. Find something to appreciate, smile, laugh, or relish daily. A joyful heart creates energy and gives perspective.

• Your kids are amazing and so are you.  Crafted by God, each one of us are made in His image. Enjoy the special qualities of your children and marvel at the wonder of God at work in their lives. (Psalm 139:13-16).

To quote the great philosopher, Winnie the Pooh, “The smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”  Make the most of each day as you love your children in the countless ways that best come from you, that special woman called Mommy. There is life, love, and wisdom that are your precious mother’s gift to your children. Each and every day look for the extraordinary in the small joys and little miracles that fill your life. After twenty-eight years as a mom, these truths still guide my choices and encourage my heart.

For more tips and truths I’ve learned about parenting, check out the parenting chapter of my book, Holy in the Moment: Simple Ways to Love God and Enjoy Your Life. Learn more on Amazon or on my book page. 

You can find all the scriptures from this post listed here and here.

More Encouragment for Moms

• 10 Bible Verses to Encourage Moms When They Need it Most
• Powerful Truth Gives Direction For Our Children
• Letting Them Go: Faith Prayers For Our Children
• Frazzled Mom, Don’t Forget to Enjoy the Journey
• Mom-i-Tude Adjustment for Frazzled Moms
• Mom, It’s Okay to Cry When You Leave Your Child at College

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