Parenting the Wild Child or the Wild at Heart – Some days seem relentless. We feel frustrated, uneasy, unappreciated, hopeless….some days I feel like giving up. But MY wild child needs me.
Baking bread. Conquered
Running 5k. Conquered
Starting a blog. Conquered.
Parenting 3 children. Conquered!
You’re thinking… wait a minute. “How did you do that?” Right?
I didn’t. But we often beat ourself up as mothers, fathers, parents. We criticize the wrong decisions we make. We disregard when we actually do the right thing. We complain that we’re failing.
Here, I got a story for you. A true one too.
Two brothers, ages 11 and 5. Giggling and being boys, having a good ole time in their bedroom. Their laughter floats through the hallways. It’s such a precious sound as a parent; when you’re kids are actually enjoying time and laughter together. It just fills your heart with a smile.
This afternoon was going well despite what is normally a very exhausting hour in our home. I was focused on our daughter and her homework as I busied myself with making dinner. All was blissful.
There’s a knock on the door. I begin to make my way to the stairs. In walks my 5 year old. Now I just told you he was back in the bedroom. He was. Now he wasn’t. He was at the front door.
Any conclusions on how that happened?
He jumped out the bedroom window. My 5 year. The little boy who God will only bless me with once on this good earth.
I about freaked right there at the steps. “You could have gotten so hurt!” “What were you thinking?” “Why would you do that?”
My mind probably spun 40 more questions in that short span of 30 seconds. And then it washed over me.
That peace of God saying “Just be thankful.”
And I was. I truly was in that moment. Tears filled my eyes with gratitude for what God protected us from.
It could have been bad. Really bad. But God is good. And he so faithfully cares for us.
My mind immediately began to think back to earlier that week when I randomly scanned the obituaries in the local newspaper. As I glanced over the pages I noticed there were people in every decade of life, 20s, 30s, 50s.
And I was reminded again what a precious gift that life is.
There is no guarantee for a tomorrow. So I keep that in mind as I parent this ‘wild’ little boy, known as my son. God choose to place this special personality in my care. He knew what he would be like.
Daring. Adventurous. Loud. Curious. Boastful (at times).
But He also threw in the good stuff.
Adorable. Cuddly. Playful. Helpful.
There are days I stare at this child with wonder that we’ve made it this far. It’s been a challenge.
There are days I stare at this child with wonder on what the future will hold. Will I make it through to the end with him?
But God assures me that time is in his hands. I can’t protect my child from every fall and disaster. I can’t protect him from every dirty trick or vain desire.
But I can be there when he falls down.
I can be there when he needs a mother’s hug.
I can be there when he needs to see the Savior’s love on display.
I can be….
All things through Christ which strengthens me.
Do you have a difficult child to parent? Do you feel as if you don’t know how to get by in this parenting?
I know it’s tough. This is just one of my stories I have to tell. But just remember you were given your child for a reason.
You are their inspiration. You are their guide. You are their prayer warrior.
Love and blessings,
Melanie
Joanne says
I’m anxious just reading this!! Good for you for seeing the silver lining. It’s true we can worry about everything all the time, but we just have to accept whatever happens as it’s not in our power to change a lot of it!
Ashley @ My Midwest Table says
Thanks for sharing, Melanie! I have two boys, which still baffles me sometimes. I only have a sister, so I know girls. Boys? Hardly! They love adventure and often times they think after rather than before. My initial reaction is to always ask the questions. I’m trying to get better at taking a moment to stop and enjoy them after “scary” moments.
Melanie says
Scary moments indeed but they also produce tons of fun. Enjoy them along with the adventures. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.