Being a Conscious Parent

It's so interesting, having the two girls that I have...

Kevin and I had many discussions before we had children and as we have had them, about what we needed to do in order to raise them to be confident and unafraid...like Kevin. He is never intimidated by anything, where as I would rather not even try if it looks too difficult. So here we are with two beautiful girls raised in the same household, with obviously similar experiences although they couldn't be exactly the same.

And of course we are trying our hardest to make biblical foundations a norm in our life, praying when someones sick, worshipping, bible stories...you know. But i believe that the Lord entrusted these particular children to me, with all their individuality's, so therefore i have to be conscious of those things in parenting. And can i just say, sometimes i feel too tired (code for LAZY) or too distracted, or too task oriented to be that. But we are trying.

It started as a conversation with my sister (who i m so blessed is going to UMHB so our relationship could be deepened..i mean that's not WHY she went there but...I'm glad she did!). Anyway, she was commenting on Olivia's adventuresome spirit and how she hopes that is never stifled. I mean at 16 months if not earlier this girl was playing on the playground with out any fear, doing things my 3 year old wouldn't attempt, and now at 2 1/2 ... you can only imagine! Anyway we got to talking and it was my Ah-hah moment! I realized how much Olivia was already like Kevin, no mountain too high. Where Annelise was already like me, intuitive, sensitive and a little nervous. How interesting that these traits were already so profound in my two girls. and so what does that mean for Kevin and I.

It means we recognize the weaknesses and strengths in each of these and call out the strengths and combat the weaknesses.

In my sweet Annelise it means I have to be aware of all my comments and how she may perceive them. I have to encourage her at every opportunity and i may have to sacrifice a little (WHAT!!) and try things with her in order to assure her of her own abilities. I will have to find the delicate balance in pushing her to do something i know she can do, and not pushing so hard that she feels already overcome. And i will nurture her sensitivity and empathy that she naturally possesses and speak the truth of who she is, who God says she is. And i have to be on my face praying for wisdom and grace, and truth to speak over her. I get excited thinking about it! Now in my trailblazer Olivia I will have to do most all the same things, except I will have to be more relaxed and let her try things on her own. She will most likely teach herself to ride a bike and I will have to wring my hands without her seeing! ***Side note here, a woman that has sinse moved to a differnt church blessed me with an encouragement from the Lord at Olivias baby shower, I can't recall the exact words and I don't want to look it up, but it basically said not to worry no harm would come to her. The Lord knew I would need that!!! Thanks Jill!***I have to be aware of the independent often rebelliousness that can accompany her exploratory nature and be quick to nip it in the bud. And I have to praise her for being unafraid and speak the truth of who she is, who God says she is. And I have to be on my face praying again! OOOH I get even more excited!--maybe started to feel overwelmed, but thats it's the Lord in me, right!!?

And baby #3...I can only imagine and pray for wisdom to parent him/her consciously too. Oh man do I need help.