1. You shall spend time with the Lord everyday before your children wake up. Spend time with your Creator, seek His will and His ways, and He will grant you strength and wisdom for the days challenges.
2. You shall not esteem or accommodate your children over your husband. God. Husband. Children. In that order.
3. You shall not misuse your position as mother by making ridiculous demands of your children. Rules and guidelines bring structure to every home. Your children may not like the rules. They will challenge your authority. Stick to your guns. You are not to appease their every whim, but neither are you to exasperate them by endless angry commands. Encourage them. Praise them for a job well done or an attitude improved. As much as possible keep a loving joyful atmosphere in your home, finding a balance between work and play.
4. Observe a time once a week for the whole family to engage in an activity. Let children take turns choosing and planning a weather appropriate engagement. This will help each child feel valuable to the family unit.
5. Honor your father, mother, and in-law's presences in rearing your children. Grandparents add a special family tie to your child's life. Grandparents are also willing to share advice on parenting do's and don'ts from their own parenting successes or regrets. Honor their advice. You didn't turn out so bad, did you? :) Thoughtfully and respectfully consider their advice, ultimately choosing what is best for your situation.
6. You shall not kill/crush your child's spirit by degrading them privately or publicly. Speak kind words. Sometimes its OK to let them wear a mismatched outfit or have that hairstyle. Does their choice really matter or is it more about you not wanting to be embarrassed? Is it really necessary to speak of your child's behavior or are you trying to shame them into obedience?
7. You shall not secretly or verbally wish your child was like so-and-so's child. Again, speak kind words. Never make them feel as though they don't measure up. They have enough of that from their own peers. Don't devastate them by stripping them of the security found in your unconditional love.
8. You shall steal a few moments for yourself. Reread that! :) Whether its sipping a quiet cup of coffee, indulging in a salon appointment, or hitting the gym, take some time to love yourself. You'll feel better equipped to tackle the next demands of your day.
9. You shall not speak a lie to your child nor live a lie in front of your child. Speak truthfully. Walk with integrity. Mess up? Admit it. Vow to do better. "What we are at home, that we are indeed." ~ Charles Spurgeon
10. You shall not love one child more than another child. Playing favorites causes lifetime pain for your child and generations of separation in the family.
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These are wonderful ten commandments for mothers. I think the hardest one for me to live, but makes the biggest difference in my day, is the first. Getting up before the children and spending time with the Lord.
ReplyDeleteThat one's my hardest too! #8 is a close 2nd. I've learned the two go hand in hand quite often!:)
DeleteI love these and I really need to start working on #8
ReplyDeleteFound you on Babies & Beyond Link UP!
#8 is tough! I find it essential to keeping my sanity, though! Lol Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteGreat advice for moms. I have a hard time with #1 and #8. My family starts the day early and I work late into the night. Getting up earlier than the family is nearly impossible. As soon as my eyes open it is go go go. I wake up feeding a cat breakfast or refilling juice.
ReplyDelete#8... I would settle for 5 minutes in the shower without anyone yelling for Mom...funny how our desires change with parenthood.
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These are wonderful! Stopping by from The Ultimate linky Pinterest party
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