Give credit where it's due

(I started writing this a couple weeks ago, today was a good day 😘😘)

Sittin here right now holding my girl. It's almost midnight... And today was a hard day.

I know that if your a mom, you know what kind of day I'm talking about.

My four year old has been so clingy. (Yes, I know he won't always be that way) if you have never had a child literally cling to you ALL DAY... Then let me just tell you... It's exhausting.

At the same time I have an almost four month old who depends on me for everything.

Today was just one of those days.

To be completely honest, I've been cranky. Short tempered.

I have always wanted to be a mom. I mothered everyone when I was a child (sorry cousins)

But listen, mothering is hard. Being a stay at home mom is so hard. Being a working mom is so hard. Sometimes it's lonely.

Being a dad is hard. Staying at home or working.

Being a parent is HARD.

oh but those moments when you see your four year old contemplate a choice, and you can almost see the wheels turn in his little mind. Then he makes the right choice, because he remembered the conversation you two had just yesterday.

That's when your heart swells and you feel like you won a huge prize.

I guess this post is really to say... Your not alone struggling in the parent department. I wonder everyday if I'm doing it right.

I've been questioned about my choices and sometimes been accused of being "too strict"

But bottom line is these kids are my responsibility.

My decisions, my actions, attitude, habits... Shape who these little people will become

To those who don't know, I'm a stay at home parent.

There isn't anyone who knows my kids needs more than I do.

So yes, I may not be perfect, I'm far from it. But I take my parenting seriously.

So when I decide to ground E from a toy, or I don't start time out until he is following directions, tell him no to candy-coke-sweets, when I don't allow him to watch something I find inappropriate...I don't do it lightly.

I know I'm not alone. The pressure of a parent is heavy.

So we do not need any extra judgyness.

J can attest that I'm tougher on myself than anyone knows.

So if you see a mom holding her ground with her VERY strong willed four year old, don't judge. Smile at her just to say, "I know it's hard. But your doing a good job" because there are days where you feel like your failing

So dad's and mom's...I get it. Do your best and pray, pray, pray .

Really. God has a plan for your child. Each child is unique.

Every. Single. Day. I ask God help me to be the mom I need to be for each of my kids.

Because sometimes your kids ask big questions, sometimes they say mean things, sometimes they are hurt... In any situation let us have wisdom from God to know what to say or do

So, to wrap this up (smile)

Respect my choices. I don't take them lightly.
Don't be judgy
Pray. Pray. Pray.
Smile at that parent struggling.

All the struggle is worth it though. Look at these faces!

All my love,
Aunt LaLa

**Disclaimer: This does not apply if you think there is any kind of abuse. REPORT IT!!**