The changing seasons of parenthood

I watched my daughters walk in front of me yesterday. How tall and healthy they look. I am proud of who they are, thankful for the privilege of motherhood.

Still, I am protective. For parenthood brings with it the most ferocious kind of love.

The kind of love that also fills our heads with worry and wonder-did we do enough? Have we taught enough? Guided enough?

I have walked ahead of these children for almost two decades. My eyes scanning for dangers, lessons, delights. Clearing the path.

And I wonder where I have led them.

The best seasons of parenthood

By the nature of homeschooling alone, for 11 years, strong management has been required. Let’s be honest here…it isn’t just that.

Parenthood can bring out the micro-manager in us, can’t it?

Today I step back, and walk alongside my daughters. Step by step allowing them to take the lead.

It hurts us to know our kids will stumble and get bruised by life. We still need to step back, walk alongside, instead of leading.

I’m learning to “remind” (nag) less, encourage their own management, and preparing to be a friend instead of Mommy. 

It isn’t easy, but it IS necessary.

So in those tiny parent steps backward out of the control role, we can use this time to lean back into the lap of our own Heavenly father.

To see that He has been setting the example for us all along. And breathe a sigh of relief.

Can you relate? What season of learning are you in?

Resources to encourage you:

• Midnight Mom Devotional: 365 Prayers to Put Your Momma Heart to Rest
• Find Peace: A 40-day Devotional Journey For Moms
• How to Keep House While Drowning: 31 days of compassionate help
• Not Just A Mom: The Extraordinary Worth of Motherhood & Homemaking 
• Fierce Faith: A Woman’s Guide to Fighting Fear, Wrestling Worry, and Overcoming Anxiety
• Memory-Making Mom: Building Traditions That Breathe Life Into Your Home
• The Good Enough Mom
• Guilt-Free Mommy: Insights and Tools to Overcome Mommy Guilt
• Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms: Simple Ways to Stress Less and Enjoy Your Family More
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