The Character Corner

Purposeful Parenting. Building Godly Character.

How To Handle Homeschooling And Hormones

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Homeschooling and hormones is a tough combination!

I think many, many homeschooling moms suffer from hormone issues, which can be very disruptive to homeschooling. Whether it’s PMS, peri-menopause, or menopause, those changing hormones can bring some very real symptoms.

How To Handle Homeschooling And Hormones

Sad Woman How to Handle Homeschooling & Hormones The Character Corner

If you have been fortunate enough to never suffer from a hormone imbalance, PMS, or menopausal symptoms, you may have trouble understanding those who struggle with these issues. I hope this post will help you be more aware of what some are going through due to their crazy hormones.

I had hormone problems for many, many years. I was fortunate enough to finally find a doctor who put me on bio-identical hormones which balanced things for me.

However, I STILL remember how rough those years were when my hormones were so out of balance.

If you DO suffer from hormonal problems, perhaps you can relate to this description I wrote about how I was feeling when PMS had a grip on me.  (At the time I didn’t know  what was going on!)

I woke up this morning to find that the “real” me had gone somewhere, and my body was inhabited by a stranger. To be quite honest, I wasn’t at all happy about it, because I didn’t care for this stranger AT ALL! She wasn’t very nice, and tended to growl and snarl a lot. The least little thing seemed to set her off — whether it was an innocent request from her kids or a little teasing from her husband. She just couldn’t seem to stand any noise, and just wanted to be left alone.

When someone would ask, “Is something wrong?” she’d snap, “No!” and run from the room in tears. She didn’t seem to know why she was crying, but yet she couldn’t stop. If someone asked, “How are you?” it took all she had to smile and say, “Fine,” when she felt FAR from fine.

This stranger stayed with me throughout the day and just seemed to control me. I’d try to fight her, but she seemed to overpower me, and I was too weary to struggle. A terrible feeling of depression hung over me like a dark cloud. Things that had once seemed easy, or routine, now seemed to be more than I could handle.

What I discovered about homeschooling and hormones

By the end of the day, I KNEW – I was positively mentally sick! What else could explain my awful behavior, disinterest in life, and uncontrollable emotions?

If you’re able to identify with some of these feelings and thoughts, more than likely you’re of the many women who suffer from PMS, or some other hormone imbalance.

Next, I will give more information about hormone issues and reassurance that the problems ARE biological, not psychosomatic, as you probably often wonder! You really aren’t crazy!

Read more about how to homeschool through hormones in these posts below ⇓ 

How To Handle Homeschooling And Hormones

There Is Hope For Homeschooling And Hormones

Guilt and Depression – Homeschooling And Hormones

What Will Homeschooling Through Hormones Do To My Children?

What About My Husband? Homeschooling & Hormones

How To Find Joy When Homeschooling Through Hormones

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I previously wrote a four-post series on Why Homeschooling Moms Cry, and though I didn’t include hormones in that list, hormones certainly can and do make us cry!

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homeschooling and hormones

Loving The Difficult Child

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As parents, we love ALL of our kids. However, you may find that loving the difficult child isn’t as easy as loving the other kids. If you are dealing with a difficult child, you know what I mean.

What is a difficult child?

Out of our eight kids, I had one that I considered difficult. This was the one that was stubborn, frustrating, disagreeable, and annoying. At times they made me feel like I was going to lose my mind.  

I loved that child through it all, but there were many times when I didn’t FEEL very loving, and times when I didn’t really LIKE him! 

The child left me emotionally exhausted and totally drained.

Loving The Difficult Child

stubborn child loving that difficult child
Do you have a child like that?  

Do you find it hard to love them at times when they are pushing you to your limits? Perhaps like me, you have times where you just want to give up!

What are some things to help you not only love this difficult child but also start to actually enjoy them?

How To Love The Difficult Child

1. Be careful to watch your attitude.

It is easy to develop an attitude of resentment towards that difficult child, because they take so much of you, and demand so much time and energy. If you don’t guard your thoughts, you can easily dwell on the negatives, letting the wrong thoughts into your mind, which in turn affects your heart.

Remember that God knows and sees your struggles, and He is the one who gave you that child.  When feeling resentful, stop and thank God for entrusting this child to your care. Ask God to let His love flow through you to that child.

2. Realize that you can’t do it in your own strength.

God wants us to depend on Him and invites us to come to Him for wisdom. Nothing will make you more aware of that need, than the daily struggles with a difficult child.

 However, it is a GOOD thing when you come to the end of yourself and your strength in your parenting, because it is then that you truly come to rely upon God for guidance.

3. Intentionally make extra time for your difficult child.

If necessary, take a break from some outside activities so that you have more time to spend with this child. Not being so busy will take away some of your stress, which will then enable you to respond better in those challenging situations that come up.

Another benefit though is that you will then feel free to spend time as needed with the child, without viewing it as an interruption and resenting it. Difficult children need LOTS OF TIME with us. We need to be there beside them, showing them we love them and are available for them.

I know one of my biggest struggles was spending time with the difficult child when I was frustrated, and just wanted to GET AWAY from them. I found that often those were the times when they just needed me to pull them close, spend time with them, and let them know I love them.

Winning the hearts of our children requires TIME, and this is especially true with our difficult kids. We need to be there for them and be patient with them and their needs. Give them extra time of cuddles, tickles, and smiles.

One of the things about a difficult child is that they have character flaws that are very visible and annoying. For this reason, plan to spend lots of time on character training with your difficult child.

4. Give them lots of encouragement and praise.

It’s important to be intentional about looking for the good in your difficult child. The negative is easy to see, so we have to watch for opportunities to praise them when they are showing effort, or making progress.

To help me remember to watch for good character, I used character charts with our kids. Not only did this keep me looking for good behavior, it also encouraged the kids to work harder at showing character.

Perhaps you are thinking (as I often did) that your difficult child never shows good character, so how can you praise or encourage them?

First, ask God to show you when they are trying, or are showing good character. Next, remember to encourage little tiny baby steps. It’s easy to look for BIG things to praise them for, but if they make a slight improvement and you make a big deal out of it, it makes them want to try harder to please you, and do what is right.

5. Pray WITH them and pray FOR them.

The quickest way to calm your spirit when the difficult child has you upset is to calmly suggest that you take time to pray together about the situation. It’s hard to stay angry when you are praying for someone!  It also reminds your child that God wants to help and that it’s important for him to go to God in prayer when he is struggling.

Be sure and pray FOR them regularly as well. Praying for your kids is one of the best gifts you can give them! Let that difficult child know that you pray regularly for him.  

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6 Important Things To Remember About Your Different Child

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If you have more than one child, I’m sure you were quickly surprised to realize just how different two kids in the same family could be!  There are some things to remember about your different child that will help you see him in a positive light, rather than in a negative way.

As a mom of eight kids, I never expected them to all be so different! Of course, in many ways there were similarities, but each had their unique differences – some more than others!

I wouldn’t say that I always “embraced” those differences as I should have.

6 Important Things To Remember About Your Different Child

child with megafone 6 Important Things To Remember About Your Different Child

At times when differences showed up in how the kids learned, acted, responded or failed to respond, I would feel discouraged or frustrated; other times I would feel stressed. However, it made me rely on God, and it also caused me to really study my kids, and get to know them for who they were.

God showed me that “different” doesn’t mean bad. It just means that I have to learn the secret that unlocks the mystery of that child.

Now that most of my kids are adults, I can see how those differences  helped prepare my kids for what God had planned for them as adults.

If you have a child, or children, that are different, let me encourage you with these thoughts:

Here are 6 Important Things To Remember About Your Different Child

1. God made them just the way they are for a reason and His purpose.

He created them with their unique personalities and needs and made them just the way He wanted them.

2. God wants you to depend on Him.

If all our kids were the same, we’d feel confident after the first one or two. He gave me kids that were different from each other, which made me realize how much I didn’t know, and how much I needed His help and wisdom!

3. God put them in your family with those differences to develop character in each member.

I have always believed and always told my kids, that God put each of them in our family with their unique personalities and characteristics, to help the rest of us develop certain character qualities God wanted us to learn.

Some of my kids were definitely my personal character builders!

4. God wants you to know your child, and invest in them.

Make it your personal goal to know what makes each of your kids tick. Learn what motivates them, and how you can best help them and reach their heart.

5. God has plans for them that you don’t know yet; those differences often will benefit them when those plans are revealed.

That child who seems so stubborn and strong-willed, could very well be in a leadership position when they become an adult.

Help them learn to channel that strong will in the right direction and they will be great leaders.

6. God wants you to see the gold glittering in them.

Sometimes we have to look through the flaws we see in them, the irritating behaviors, and see the gold that is glittering there, just waiting to be discovered.

Ask God to help you see the different child’s value, worth, and potential as He does.

When you are at your wits’ end with that child who you just don’t know what to do with, you are right where God wants you to be! Realizing that we can’t do this parenting thing on our own is a GOOD thing.  Let it be a reminder to call on God and ask Him for the wisdom He freely offers.

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Join me for my talk, “Dealing with a difficult child” 

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7 Tips For Parenting a Strong-Willed Child

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The strong-willed child is definitely challenging with his persistence, energy, and determination. As a result, when parenting a strong-willed child it’s easy to look at their strong will as a BAD thing.

In reality though, kids with a strong will become great teens, young adults, and leaders if we steer them right.

How do we parent a strong-willed child in a positive way, to bring out the positive and good in them?

young girl playing outside 7tips for parenting a strong willed child

 

Tips for Parenting a Strong-Willed Child

1. Give them choices when possible.

Giving orders to them often opens the door for argument and conflict. However, when you offer a choice they are more likely to be cooperative, as they had some say in the matter.

If doing something is non-negotiable, a good way to handle it is:  “Do you want to do your chores now, or do you want to wait till after our snack?” 

They still have to do it, but get a choice as to when.

2. Remember the GOOD things about them.

The description “strong-willed child” usually has a negative connotation,  but it’s NOT a negative thing!

A strong will is a positive trait that requires parents to guide and channel in the right direction.

Strong-willed children are usually self-motivated and focused. They go after what they want, and don’t let peer pressure sway them.

These are traits that make great leaders!

3. Have consistent rules and routines.

A strong-willed child needs parents that are strong-willed, and who will enforce the rules and routines. They need to know that if the rule is NO about something, that’s not going to change by them pushing and begging.

Have specific limits and rules, that always have a consistent response.

If you are consistent with the rules and routines with all the kids in the family, the strong-willed child will quickly realize that you aren’t picking on them.

For example,  rather than telling them to hurry and get ready for bed, calmly remind them “The rule is be in your bed by 8:30. If you hurry, we’ll have time to read a book!“ 

This puts the ball in THEIR court.

4. Don’t allow yourself to react to their behavior while forgetting to focus on their heart.

It is easy to get frustrated with the way they push the limits, and try to get their way. Rather than focusing on those behaviors, try to see what is going on their heart that you need to deal with.

Molding their heart should be our focus, rather than changing their behavior.

building a strong foundation while parenting strong willed child

5. Realize that sometimes “winning the battle” with them, means you lose their heart.

If “winning” is going to cost you the relationship, take a break and tell the child that you will talk about it later.

Refuse to let them engage you in argument and anger, by walking away and saying “I need to think some more about this. We will discuss it tomorrow.” 

Sometimes we choose battles that aren’t important enough, and then we don’t want to back down. 

Be wise, and re-consider.

If you still feel you need to stand strong, approach it with a kind heart and explain, “As your parent, I love you and want what is best for you. I don’t feel this is something I can allow, even though I know you really want to do it. I know you are disappointed, and I understand that. How about if we choose a special activity in place of that – what would you like to do?”

This shows them that you care about them, and their emotions. It also shows that you respect their feelings. and will help you to win their heart!

6. Pray for wisdom!

None of us can be perfect parents, and with the strong-willed child, we ARE going to make mistakes.

However, we CAN be praying parents, and that is the source of our power! Don’t try to do it in your own strength or wisdom, but go to God daily and seek His help. (Prayer – It Makes a Difference!)

7. Tell them “I love you!” often!

Because you will tend to have frequent confrontations with the strong-willed child, it’s important to make a habit of frequently telling them that you love them. 

Don’t assume that they know that – they need to HEAR it! 

Being confident of your love for them helps them to trust you have their best interest at heart when there is a difference of opinion or conflict.

When they are being stubborn, it is a good time to remind them that you love them just the way they are, and how glad you are God gave them to you.

Hang in there on the tough days, Mom! God gave you that strong-willed child, and He will give you the strength and wisdom you need.

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For some additional help sign up now for the totally FREE Homeschool Teaching Summit 2.0 to access this exclusive video session from me, Kathie Morrissey!

Join me for my talk, “Dealing with a difficult child” 

Homeschool Teaching Summit Kathie Morrisey

It’s just one of 25+ sessions all created to help you point your heart back to the Lord in the midst of your homeschooling for a fresh, Christ-centered restart. Hurry — free registration is only available for a limited time! Sign up now here!

Homeschool Teaching Summit

 

3 Resolutions for Christian Parents

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Sometimes it is good to sit down and examine our parenting, and decide what changes we can or should make to be more effective as parents. These Biblical resolutions for Christian parents are what God showed me when I was struggling with discouragement in my parenting.

happy family 3 resolutions for Christian Parents

He showed me that I really didn’t need to make a BIG list of more things to do.

There are three simple, but important resolutions that God has regularly impressed on my heart. These are commitments that will help me not only in my parenting but also in other areas of my life.

3 Resolutions for Christian Parents

1. Spend time with God before anyone else.

This should be our top priority. Spending just a few moments with God prepares our heart and spirit for the day, and for teaching and training the kids God has entrusted us with.

Everything we do as parents should rest on the foundation of our relationship with the Lord. Yet we often get busy trying to do many things in our own strength. Like Martha, we fail to take time to just sit at the feet of Jesus.

Moms in the Word
It can be hard as a busy mom to find time to spend with the Lord, but it is VITAL that we make it a daily priority.  Even if it’s only for a few minutes (and at certain seasons of parenting, that’s all it can be!) this is one of the most important things we can do to help us in our parenting.

Realize that this is something that the devil will try to keep you from, and determine to make it a priority. Commit to fighting the battle daily to keep your appointment with God.

battle to spend time with God daily

As we spend time with the Lord daily, our kids will see that our relationship with God is important to us.  This is a good way to “salt their oats” and give them a hunger and thirst for God.

2. Be faithful in daily Bible reading.

This ONE thing will profoundly affect your spiritual life.

God’s Word changes our hearts, gives us direction, and keeps us from sin. As parents, we NEED this as we strive to raise our kids to know and love God.

Without God’s Word and wisdom, we will struggle in our own strength. We are then more prone to discouragement, and the tendency to believe the lies that the devil tells us.

RELATED:  BUSY MOM’S GUIDE TO FINDING TIME WITH GOD

more we know Truth less we believe lies

3. Commit to daily praying for your kids.

I firmly believe that if you pray Scripture for your kids, it opens the door for God to work in their lives. We can teach and train them, and we should. When we add praying Scripture to that training, we are bringing the power of God’s Word to work in their hearts.

None of us can be perfect parents, but ALL OF US CAN BE PRAYING PARENTS! This is our greatest source of power, yet we often neglect it in the busyness of our daily lives.

I believe parents should commit themselves to daily prayer and supplication for their children. We desperately need divine help with the job! ~ James Dobson

These are three simple, but valuable resolutions that will make us better parents!

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Praying Biblical Virtues For Our Children 

7 Sanity Secrets For When You’re Stressed Out

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We all have those kinds of days — you know, the kind when you’re stressed out. Those days are just part of the parenting package, and if you add homeschooling to the mix, there will more than likely be more of those kind of days.

Days when the washing machine breaks down, the kids are fighting, the baby is crying, and company is coming in 15 minutes. Sometimes it’s a temporary situation that adds to your already full schedule and leaves you stressed out.

7 Sanity Secrets For When You’re Stressed Out

stressed woman mom 7 sanity secrets for when you're stressed out
What’s even worse is when it’s more than a day of stress; maybe something extra is going on, so things are really tough. 

Sometimes it can get overwhelming, and you either want to cry or scream! (Yes, I’ve done both!)

Let’s face it; life is busy and it’s easy to live in a state of chronic stress.  Add that one extra thing to your full load, and it’s crunch time.

How do you stay sane through the stress?

Here are some sanity secrets that will help you survive being stressed.

1. Don’t neglect your time alone with God.

“Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.” Proverbs 16:3

When you are stressed and feeling overwhelmed, your thoughts are probably very scattered, running in many directions.

I realized that when I am in that situation,  I NEED God’s help, wisdom, and strength!

It’s so common during extra busy times to neglect THE most important thing – spending time with God. We think we don’t have time for that because we are so busy when our thinking really should be “I’ve got SO much to do that I HAVE to take time to pray!”  

moms in the Word
Don’t neglect the very source of your strength and peace during those stressful times.  Make it a priority to spend at least a few minutes in God’s Word, and spend time seeking His wisdom.

2. Prioritize

You’re probably wondering “how do I stop stressing about everything?”. Here’s the thing, you and only you are in charge of your schedule every day.

Though there will probably be lots of demands coming your way that seem urgent, you get to decide what is going to take priority every day in your actions and thoughts.

After seeking God, make a list of the absolute “must do’s“. Don’t worry about the things you’d LIKE to do, but focus on what you MUST do.

For example, if in the middle of a busy day you find out that you are going to have an unexpected overnight guest, start with the important things.

Don’t go deep cleaning and decluttering. Go put fresh sheets on the bed, and do a quick house pick-up. Do the essentials, and don’t stress about the rest of it.

3. Plan your schedule to accomplish the must do’s in the time you have.

Make a quick list of what needs to be done, and schedule out the time you have left to get it done.

At times like this, the TIMER is my best friend.

When I begin one of the tasks on the list I set the timer for 15 minutes, and try to get the task done before the time is up.

That helps me to be motivated, and to stay focused.

It’s easy to get distracted and start doing something else on your list, before finishing the project you are working on. The timer helps you stay on track, and when you beat it, you have a nice feeling of accomplishment

4. Delegate whatever you can.

When life is busy, you need to discern what can be done only by you, and what can be delegated.

Your family will probably willingly help if you explain that you need their help, and tell them specifically what they can do to help.

Don’t just expect them to see your busyness and jump in! That’s not realistic and will lead you to frustration or disappointment and more stress.

Ask the kids to make some of the meals for you each week, or to clean up afterward. (they should be doing that anyway!)

Have your husband pick up some of the things you need from the grocery store on his way home from work.

Think about what would be helpful to you, and delegate that to a responsible person.

By the way, don’t feel bad about asking your family to pitch in and help. It makes them feel needed and important.

You deprive them of the blessing of serving when you never let them help.

5. Eliminate your time wasters.

Identify your time-wasters, and avoid them!

For example, turn the notifications off on your phone or computer so you won’t be distracted by them.

Often a notification comes in, and you think “I’ll just spend a minute reading it“, and then end up staying on for an hour. (Ask me how I know!)

I suggest having a couple of set times a day that you get on to check your email, Facebook, Pinterest, etc.

Set a limit, and use a timer so you don’t get drawn in for hours.

You know that happens!

6. DON’T skimp on your sleep.

I’ll admit that’s something I have to work on!

It is SO easy to stay up late working, trying to get “just one more thing” done! The problem with that is you will pay for it the next day.

Being tired makes everything even more stressful and overwhelming.

Have a set time to go to bed in order to give yourself the amount of sleep that you need, and then discipline yourself to stop what you’re doing and go to bed when you should.

I have found from experience that often after a good night of sleep, things don’t seem as overwhelming and stressful as they did the night before when I tired.

Which of these secrets would help you better handle the stress you are facing?

Seek God’s  wisdom daily for His priorities, schedule those priorities into you day after delegating any of them that you can, and be sure to make time to get the rest you need.

Don’t allow the pressures of life to overwhelm you, stress you, and steal your joy.

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Praying For Our Kids Makes a Difference!

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As parents, it is important to pray for our kids regularly.

However, it is also important to believe that praying for our kids makes a difference!

Praying hands Praying for our Kids makes a difference

I still remember a particularly “bad” day I had with the kids when they were younger.

It was just one of  “THOSE” days!

The kids were out to break every rule, and it seemed as though they had forgotten everything I’d been trying to teach them.

It felt as though all I did that day was correct and discipline. (If you have several young children, I’m sure you can relate to this!)

By supper time I was feeling tired, frustrated, and discouraged.

I questioned whether all my efforts to teach and train them made any difference.

It sure didn’t seem to be helping.

As these thoughts flooded my mind, the Lord quietly reminded me of two things.

  • Those negative thoughts were false and were coming from the devil.
  • All through the day with all of the frustration, I never took the time to pray and ask God for His help!

My efforts were failing, because I forgot to seek His help.

Usually, I pray for the kid’s first thing in the morning and ask God for His wisdom as I begin the day.

When I forget, I can tell.

Why?

Because praying for our kids makes a difference!

Praying through Proverbs for your children

My husband drives a truck for work, so he has time to pray for each of the kids, and for me.

Sometimes (after “one of those days”) when he comes home I will ask him, “Did you forget to pray for us today?”

When he replies yes, I’m not surprised.

I can tell the difference.

Other times he asks me how the day went and I tell him things went well – the kids were good, etc.

This time he’s not surprised because he had been praying for us.

It’s surprising how often we talk about prayer, yet how easily we forget to use it when in need. (And we’re always in need of God’s power!)

Regardless of how much effort we put into teaching and training our children, without prayer, we won’t see the results we desire.

God takes what we do, and uses it in our kids lives to produce fruit.

Except the Lord build the house, they labor in van that build it.” Psalm 127:1

How or what should we pray for our kids?

Do you get stuck after, “God bless Junior”? If so, here are a few ideas of things to include as you pray for them:

1. The biggest thing is to claim the authority of your union with Christ, and ask God to pull down Satan’s plans against your children, and pull down the strongholds.

I remember when one of my teens was struggling, and the pastor prayed with us.

My eyes filled with tears as I heard him say, “...and Satan, leave her alone. She belongs to God, and you can’t have her….” 

Wow-what a great reminder of the spiritual battle we are in for our kids, and that praying is spiritual warfare.

2. Pray for each child according to his needs, his strengths, and his weaknesses.

3. Just a few of the specific things I have prayed for regularly for my kids when they were younger:

  • their salvation
  • a love for God
  •  love for His Word
  • growth in Godly character

Be sure you pray for your kids regularly. It really DOES make a difference!

Join me for a 30 Day Challenge:

PRAYING BIBLICAL VIRTUES FOR YOUR CHILDREN

 

Praying For Our Kids

Free Valentine’s Day Coupon Book for Families

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Build your child up this Valentine’s Day with our Valentine’s Day Coupon Book For Kids!

May I just encourage you to do something to make your kids feel extra loved on Valentine’s Day? Why not add something special to their day when they redeem one of 12 coupons for things they’ll love. Watch them light up when they get the “No chores today” coupon or “Make homemade cookies with Mom”.

Use it as an opportunity to remind them of how special they are, give them a break from the routines of life and encourage them in having some special one on one time they crave. It will be a tradition they will come to love. Make this Valentine’s Day one they will remember!

Download your free Valentine’s Day Coupon book here!

spiral notebook Valentine's Day Coupon Book The Character Corner

 

When You Feel Like “Just a Mom”

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When You Feel Like “Just a Mom”

My husband comes from a family of 14 kids. Every year on the 4th of July, we have a family reunion with his side of the family, at a local park. My husband and all 13 of his siblings were there for the picnic and pictures. There were also many of their kids and grandkids. (Over 100 people!) The picture below is all 14 kids with their spouses.

Just a Mom?!

Seven of the twelve live in this area, and we all attend the same church. All seven are involved in the ministry there. One brother is the music director, another one works in the Spanish ministry.

What a blessing it is to see how God is using all of them!

It’s especially exciting to me as I think about my mother-in-law, and her part in their lives. She was such a special, and wonderful lady! She was involved in the church till she became sick, then went home to be with the Lord.

Did she ever feel like “just a mom”?

Her husband wasn’t a believer, and the kids were allowed to choose at 7th grade whether they wanted to go to the church he went to, or to the Baptist church she was involved in.

They all chose to go with her, trusted the Lord as their Savior, and went on to grow and become dedicated Christians. (Her husband did accept Christ before he died.)

Looking at the picture above of all the kids and grandchildren (many were missing!),  I have to think that if she was able to see from heaven, it made her smile! (Bottom picture at the top of the page)

A stay at home mom’s thoughts on being “just a mom”

Because of her influence and teaching as a mom, many people are now being influenced and reached through her kids and their kids.

What a thrill to see that her influence didn’t stop with the kids she raised, but they passed on the faith to their children, who are passing it on to theirs!

What a legacy of faith!

I’m sure she had no idea how far-reaching her influence would be through the fourteen children she raised.

However, her work for the Lord continues through the kids she raised, as well as their kids who are now serving the Lord and training their young ones to know Him.

I have to wonder how many times over the years of raising fourteen children, she got discouraged?

How many times did she feel like she wasn’t doing “anything” that mattered?

Did she ever think “I am just a mom”?

All she ever did was stay home, cook, clean, do the never-ending laundry, and take care of kids.

She was “just a mom”.

But look at that picture, and think of the results of those years of giving to her family, and caring for them, while influencing them by her love for the Lord.

Moms, don’t EVER think what you are doing is unimportant!

When you are tired or discouraged, remember that you are preparing your kids to go into battle.

It may not be easy, but it will be worth it in the end when you see them go on to be used by God.

RELATED:  (When You Wonder If Your Parenting Is Worth It!)

Your ministry and influence don’t just end when you are no longer able to do what you once did.

It continues on in the lives of your grown children, and their children, and on through the generations to come.

(Read this for encouragement:  To My Mother, From Your Son: An Open Letter To The Woman Who Gave Me Her All)

What an awesome opportunity we have to “just be moms”!

Being a mom is an incredible gift. But don’t get me wrong. Being a mom is tough!

Maybe today you find yourself overwhelmed, discouraged and struggling.

If you use any of those words you use to describe yourself, you’re in the right place! You can get the help you need!

Join me for the first-ever Purposeful Mom’s Online Retreat. If you have ever wanted a mentor to come beside you and share from experience, now is your chance!

Attend the Purposeful Mom’s online retreat and you will leave feeling encouraged, renewed and refreshed!

The conference date is Feb 21-22nd  and pre-sale tickets are now available at a price that will meet any mom where they are at.

Oh and the best part?? You can come in your PJs! 🙂

Why not mention it to your husband as a great option for a Valentine’s Day gift!

REGISTER NOW! Purposeful Mom's Online Retreat

Have you ever felt like just a mom on The Character Corner

 

To My Mother, From Your Son: An Open Letter To The Woman Who Gave Me Her All

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How do you say thank you to your mother? What can you say to the woman who gave you her all?

As a Mom, you already know the sacrifice it takes to raise children well. The teaching and training them in God’s word, building Godly character and still remaining intentional in life requires giving up a lot. But as you also know, you gain so much as well!

We don’t head into motherhood looking for thanks or appreciation. In fact, if we are honest, there is so much that mothers do without any thanks. So imagine the emotions when I received this letter from my son!

I am sharing it with you today in hopes to encourage you. As a Mom in trenches, we can forget the end goal. I hope this gives you a peek into what can be ahead for you too!

To My Mother, From Your Son: An Open Letter To The Woman Who Gave Me Her All

Mom and Son Writing Together To My Mother From Your Son an Open Letter The Character Corner

“Dear Mom and Dad,
 
The other day I stopped “running” for a few moments and just took a bit of time to consider how good my life is. God has been so good to me in so many areas, but one thing I continually come back to is you. 
 
You both worked so hard in raising us, and I know that I have taken that for granted many times. As I grow older and now have one child and another coming soon, I see more and more the need and importance of good godly parents. I am so fortunate and blessed to say that I had two of the best.
 
Your emphasis on building character, learning to work hard, having a relationship with God, being kind, serving and loving others, learning and understanding the Word of God, treating others with respect and so much more has literally shaped who I am today.
 
And it isn’t just that you taught me or told me to do and be those things, but that you displayed those things in your own lives on a regular basis.
 
The things that you taught should be important to us were the things that you made important to yourselves personally. 
  • Thank you for being a living testimony and example of Christ to me and so many others. 
  • You always provided for my needs, spiritually, emotionally, and materially, thank you. 
  • Thank you for your patience over the years as I know I tested it many times. 
  • Your selflessness and the sacrifices you made to give me more than I needed or deserve is greatly appreciated.
  • What a gift you gave me by instilling in me a desire to grow in grace and be more like Christ. 
  • The desire to see my own children walk in truth came from you and I am so grateful.
  • For the many hours of prayer you prayed over me, thank you.
  • And the time and energy you put into our home and family? I know that even now I don’t know the full cost to you spiritually, physically, financially, and emotionally. 

So how do you tell your mom you appreciate her?

Although I never told you, several years ago I begged God to allow me to become at least moderately wealthy.
 
Honestly, my intentions were not totally selfish. I genuinely wanted to be the one to provide for you guys as you got older.
 
I wanted to be able to give you all you needed and allow you to retire young(ish) lol.
 
Obviously, God did not want me to be wealthy. Here I am doing the literal opposite in asking for your help with a car and such recently.
 
In my mind, I thought I could pay you back for what you have put into me if I were able to assist financially.
 
I do see with more clarity now. Even if God had allowed me to do that, I still would not have even come close to paying back all that you have put into me. 
 
There is a lot of talk in modern-day about being born with privilege.
 
I sincerely believe that I was born with more privilege than anyone else because of the parents that God gave me.
 
Thank you. 
 
I hope and aim to fulfill the biblical command of honoring your father and mother for the remainder of my life…Not so it “will be well with me” but because you guys deserve it.
 
I love you so much!”
 
I pray that this has encouraged you to keep pressing on and building that strong foundation for your kids. There is fruit ahead, even when it doesn’t seem like it!
 
If you need some help in this area, I would love to come alongside you in my course Building a Strong Foundation: 5 Pillars of Biblical Parenting.  Here’s a quick video with some more information or take a look at the course yourself right here!

Don’t miss our incredible giveaways by Carole P Roman! Scroll down to enter for your chance to win!

She is the award-winning author of over fifty children’s books. Whether it’s pirates, princesses, or discovering the world around us, her books have enchanted educators, parents, and her diverse audience of children. She’s been interviewed by Forbes Magazine. Carole lives on Long Island near her children and grandchildren. 

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