It is quite easy to continue thinking about the next big thing we want to give or do for our children, without pausing to be thankful for all they are and have at the moment. It is also possible to complain about the long way our little ones still have to go before they are independent, mature and responsible; but we forget how far they have come. Here at LagosMums, we look at the various challenges mothers face and how to stay positive and thankful in every situation.
The Mother of Many
Some of us think we’ve got too many children, we can’t keep up or cope with the noise. The demands are endless and we wonder how we got into this mess with no time for ourselves. Some other mums have only one child and wish they had more children. In their case, they are tired of the quiet and don’t mind some of your so-called noise. Others are still waiting to have their first child after trying all sorts and are willing to give anything to get even one of yours.[READ: Keep Your Children Active]
The Demanding Mum
You think your child can’t play any musical instrument or speak another language, but at least she’s polite. Or you believe the public school won’t get your children anywhere in life. And perhaps you think those in private schools or who are homeschooled stand a better chance in life.
In our age of intense competition, with parents reliving their dreams through their children, you should be glad you are not caught up in that and your children have better values. If you can’t afford the education a private school provides or the time the homeschooling option demands, what do you do? More of the work lies with you – the parent and not the school; it’s an illusion that the children in private schools will be better in the end. Some children who seem to have it all, the best education, intelligence and brilliance can’t sit still or follow simple instructions. Yet they are paraded by their parents to the world but hiding their inadequacies. [READ: Parenting Etiquette]
The Full-Time House Wife
You are not excited as a stay-at-home mum whether by choice or design. In fact you wish you had more cash or time to run your business or do your own thing. Many working mums wish they were in your shoes, enjoy this time while it lasts before the children leave home. Enjoy the fact that you are giving your children what money cannot buy; the gift of your presence and love. Also, be grateful your spouse is earning enough to help you stay with the children, some couples who both work can’t still pay their bills. [READ: Women In Business]
The Only One
You have only one child and wish you could have more, your house is often quiet and your routine boring. You’ve tried everything and nothing seems to be working for you. Be thankful to God you have at least one, pour your love on him/her and enjoy the time together. Also, enjoy your special times with your spouse. At least you don’t have to worry about contraceptives and their side effects. Many times, it’s not really that we want so many children. But we don’t think we can manage the pressure that society puts on us when they make us feel something’s not quite right with just one child. [READ: Common Parenting Mistakes]
The Single Mum
It’s tough to be thankful as a single mum when the odds are working against you and you have to be and do twice as much for your children. It seems like an endless routine of tasks yet undone, bills unpaid and unmet demands. At least you’re still standing. While you may be exhausted and overdue for a break, little by little you can see results from your efforts. Your children can see in you a good model of what it takes to be hardworking and not caving in under pressure. [READ: Raising Children]
Are you a thankful mum? Count your blessings, name them one by one and use what you think is your disadvantage for your good. Being thankful is a positive attitude and not a once-in-a-while task. [READ: How to be Thankful Through it All]
What are you thankful for today?
