Parenting is tough

So, I’ve been thinking! Yes, I know that is always a scary thing!! Anyway, I’ve been thinking about raising kids and how important that job is. I’m trying my best, but there isn’t a manual that comes with a new baby: Although there really should be. I’m doing what every other parent out there is doing: surviving each stage of development the best I can and trying not to screw the children up in the process. I’m also trying my best to instill values and morals into my children. I’m trying to figure out each child: what makes them tick? What is their love language? What makes them happy? What is the best way to get through to them?

There seem to be more answers than questions when raising children. At least there are with my children. I have three children, aged 7, 5 and 3. They are all so vastly different. My 7-year-old son has Autism. He has some sensory processing issues, but he is able to view the world differently because of this. He sees beauty in everything. He notices everything, and I mean everything. He is so smart and creative. He enjoys a slower and quieter pace of life, so he doesn’t get overwhelmed. He is the most sensitive and smart child you’ll ever meet. He is so empathetic and genuinely cares about everyone. However, his needs and loves are very different from my 5-year-old son. My 5-year-old son is a very active and physical boy. He loves sports, running and wrestling. He also has the softest heart which he wears on his sleeve. He pretends to be tough and that nothing bothers him, but it’s all a front. One harsh word and this boy takes it to heart. He is extremely protective of the ones he loves and isn’t afraid to step in when he thinks it’s needed. He never misses a beat though and says the funniest things. He really is the class clown type. Which is similar to my 3-year-old daughter. She is a fire cracker. She knows what she wants and won’t stop until she gets it. She is a strong personality but also a kind soul. She loves to be the center of attention and will do anything to get a laugh out of you. She is kind yet strong.

With each child being so different it’s hard to know how to parent sometimes. Throw a special needs child in there….and it feels impossible to parent sometimes. Until you have a child, you have no idea of the depth of your love, strength, tenacity, resourcefulness and fear. That’s right, fear! I’m constantly afraid for my children. What will their future hold? Will they be happy? Did I do everything I could to make their childhood memorable and happy? Did I screw up my children? And many, many more questions and fears. Fears I didn’t even know existed. It’s all part of this wonderful blessing we call parenting.

C.S. Lewis put it best when he said, “Children are not a distraction from important work. They are the most important work.” Every time I read this quote, I think to myself, ‘as long as I’m making my kids a priority and doing my best, they will be fine!’ Parenting is hard at the best of times. It becomes double and triple times harder when you are solo parenting. Just know you are not alone. Realize your children are stronger than you give them credit for. Love on them more than you feel is necessary. Always do your best and they will turn out fine! Don’t let the fear you didn’t know existed run your life or parenting. Instead remember that parenting is about raising and celebrating the children you have been blessed with!! The rest God will take care of!!