Hey mamas! It’s Sunday, and what a lovely day it is! You know I’m all about loving you by carving out time to enjoy life with your friends, loved ones, or alone. We all need to recharge our batteries sometimes. So please do just that! Also, don’t miss the chance to join me every Sunday at 7 PM on Facebook #MomChat for more parenting tips!
Today’s post is in light of raising teens. You know I love to be honest about my journey. In fact, this blog and business have spawned from my need to share my journey into helping others on theirs. And as I counsel other women on what to do with their kiddos and how to break into their purpose, I also want it to be clear that my life is not perfect.
Yes! My kids get on my nerves, too! Lol! So, read on for some insight into how to handle single parenting when it’s just not a good day.
Preparing Yourself for Parenting
I have officially arrived and now have two teens. You know at this age they have their own personalities and are not afraid to show them. They will start doing some things that aren’t bad but are annoying. Prepare yourself!
Point in case, mine like to waste food and leave it, not close containers, barely bathe, oversleep, etc. Yes, organized me and the he-men that can’t move. Hahaha!
But, you know what I notice? They can move when it’s for a coach or something they wan to do. They can clean up at someone else’s house. These things can cause you to feel unappreciated and down. But, I want you to know it does not have to be so! Flip that script! Make them clean up and get up. Take back your power.
You are not overwhelmed. You are handling it all and will raise your children well.
So, what made me write this candid blog today? Well, I have been teaching a free class on finding purpose and finding your voice through email (You can grab it here.) And in teaching that, I am ever so cautious to remind the ladies that I am not perfect.
I’m an expert, but I am in the same boat as you and them- I have children who have their own minds, who don’t always do what I say, and who frankly get on my last nerve sometimes. Lol! But, we love them!!!
Affirmation: Even on the bad days, I get in there and parent.
The Solution
You cannot back down from being the best parent you can be because they might not like you.
You and I must parent all the time. We have too much riding on this- our precious babies will enter a world unprepared if we do not teach them now.
I choose to be the big bad wolf instead of the favorite mom. I parent.
When you are dealing with kids, no matter their age, you have to have a plan. If you do not, they will be out of whack and your house will be out of order. Kids need order and structure whether they think so or not.
Parenting with help or without, requires you and me to stay present, engaged, and involved. Sometimes teens (who want their space and think they are grown) call that being a pest, staying in their business or being too nosey. Whatever! I call it parenting.
So sweet sister, we won’t always get the award for Best Mom. But, one day, we’ll get the respect and appreciation for laying the framework for good adults.
I know it’s hard to raise them and deal with mood swings, messiness, and tardiness. Yes, they can have their moments when they just can’t get up. Get in there and get ’em up! I wrote a post on how to get teens to clean up. Works every time!!
But, my message to you is to not let any of that bother you. Keep going! Keep raising them right. Ignore perfection. It does not exist.
Just show up every day doing the best you can. You will find that your best is more than enough.
Parenting is really hard.
