I Can’t Parent Like That

My guess is we’re all getting a front row seat to our natural strengths and weaknesses in the way we parent these days.

I know I am.

After all, my rhythms have been turned on their head and my responsibilities multiplied. From the way I accomplish work to the way I connect with my family, I’m flexing myself into a new way of being alongside them.

The process is hardly straight-forward and rightfully unique to each of our families.

At the end of the day, however, we get to rest in the assurance that God knew just what He was doing when He made us parents. He knew where we’d thrive and knew where’d we struggle. He even knew the way our journeys would unfold. Yet, with tender purpose and careful design, He fashioned children whom He specifically chose to entrust to us.

See, our kids can benefit from our natural strengths.

For example, establishing routines and maintaining rhythms might just be your superpower. If so, your kids benefit from your keen sense of structure.

Keeping things random and rolling with the punches might just be your form of dancing. If so, your kids benefit from your spontaneity.

Baking and crafting might be second-nature for you, while playing board games and exploring the outdoors might be more up your alley. Either way, your kids benefit from your presence.

Entering the wonderful world of dress-up with all its imaginative components might be mentally stimulating, while running together or playing catch provides a space where you can both engage. However you slice it, your kids benefit from your commitment to quality time.

But, maybe your life’s more like this right now…

Maybe you’re feeling as though even your natural strengths have been buried under the weight of your new normal. Perhaps the strain of suddenly working from home has left it nearly impossible for you to engage your children in the manner you’re usually able and you long to offer them more. If so, friend, your kids benefit from your unwavering dedication to care for them through thick and thin.

Wherever we find ourselves, may we trust that God knows our strengths, sees our weaknesses, and concerns Himself with each and every single one of our needs.  After all, His grace provides for us and His power even works best in our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9). We need not strive so hard.

As we head into this Mother’s Day weekend with Father’s Day just around the corner, let’s remember that we don’t need to beat ourselves up for our weaknesses. Instead, let’s rejoice in the freedom we have to lean into our God-given design and trust His power to sustain not only us but our children as well.

How are you adjusting to your family’s new COVID-19 normal? Has the adjustment reminded you of any of your natural strengths and weaknesses? Share your stories and encouragements in the comments.