It’s too bad raising kids doesn’t come with a set of instructions. Many books have been written on the subject and most think they have all the answers, but each case is different and so is every child. There’s no” one size fits all” when it comes to being a parent. You almost have to take each moment as it comes and simply do the best you can.
If I knew then all the things I know now, I’m sure I would’ve done a better job of parenting. Unfortunately years of experience often come with the cost of an aging body and a lack of energy, so I’m sure this is why the female body is designed to have children when they’re younger, if for nothing else than to be able to keep up with them. Can you imagine Sarah’s first thoughts when she finally became pregnant at the age of 90?
Learning through experience can often be best. We learn through our mistakes – take things as they come – sometimes give up and feel like total failures – blame ourselves – make more mistakes – are way too hard on ourselves – did I mention giving up?
Like anything we experience in life, placing it in God’s hands will make the road less difficult. The Bible is filled with great information on how to love as God loves us. Pray every day for your children. Enjoy the ride – there is joy in the little things – even the oatmeal on the ceiling, your spray painted dog and gum in the hair. Trust that God is with you in the journey. The end result will amaze you. Not only will you wind up with a great kid, but you’ll discover you didn’t do such a bad job after all.
atimetoshare.me 
I am unfortunately a hindsight learner—always learning the hard way—but the hard way often sticks better in the long run 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s for sure. Some of my most valuable lessons had to be experienced so I would learn.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It might have something to do with my hardheadedness – stubborn like a mule and thus kicks usually work rather than gentle nudges 😔
LikeLiked by 1 person
Raising kids without instructions? Our first was, and still is, strong willed. So we got James Dobson’s book on the strong willed child. It seemed that our son read the book before we did. We tried everything, and he was already a step ahead.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We read that book too. It really comes down to our maintaining a strong will😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
And that was probably our downfall. My wife would melt when he showed fake innocence and batted his doe eyes at her – just like our youngest grandson does – what a pistol!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well said, and with a bit of humor! I am remembering and smiling from . . . the strained carrots spit all over me . . . my young, tomboyish daughter who played sports better than the boys . . . after complaining about the long trip and finally falling asleep 30 miles from our destination. Perhaps we should all write a book. Hmm, I definitely don’t want people to think I know everything.
LikeLiked by 1 person