Mothering, Day by Day

Read Mark 10:13-16

Sometimes 'look at this' arrives while dinner is cooking and you're trying to finish three other things. You can't always stop that second.

But look at how Jesus welcomes the children in Mark 10. The disciples want to send them away. Jesus brings them close.

When you can, give your child your attention. Ask about the drawing. Let them explain the game. If you need a minute, say so, then go back. I want our kids to know we're interested in them.

Let's pray.

Jesus, help me slow down enough to notice my child. Give me patience to listen, even when the story takes a while. Help them know they're loved. Amen.

Something to think about: What has my child been trying to show me?

Something to try: Ask about it, or sit beside them while they show you.

Read James 1:19-25

You know that moment when your answer is about to come out louder than you meant? Stop for a second if you can.

James tells us to be quick to listen and slow to speak and become angry. That's worth remembering in the kitchen as much as anywhere else.

You can still say no. You can still mean it. Try saying it without the extra words that hurt. Later, think about what keeps making this moment hard and what you could change.

Let's pray.

Lord, please help me with my words. Help me listen before I answer and be kind when I need to be firm. Show me what needs to change. Amen.

Something to think about: When do I usually run out of patience?

Something to try: Think of a calmer way to say what needs to be said.

Read 1 John 1:5-9

If you owe your child an apology, keep it simple. 'I yelled. That was wrong. I'm sorry.' You don't need to add 'but you...' at the end.

First John tells us to be honest about our sin and trust God's faithfulness to forgive. We don't have to pretend we got it right.

Let your child answer in their own time. Then work on the thing you apologized for. If the same hurt keeps happening, ask for help changing it. Our kids need more than another promise.

Let's pray.

Father, I'm sorry for the way I spoke. Thank You for forgiving me through Jesus. Help me apologize honestly and do something different next time. Amen.

Something to think about: What do I need to say I'm sorry for?

Something to try: Apologize without an excuse. Choose one change you can work on.

Read Galatians 6:2-5

There's doing the job, and then there's remembering that the job needs doing. Both take work.

Galatians calls us to carry one another's burdens and take responsibility for our own conduct. We can put that care into practice at home.

Tell the people who can help what you're carrying. Ask someone to take a whole task, including remembering it. Let children do what's right for their age and ability. Loving your family doesn't mean you have to do every part of the work yourself.

Let's pray.

God, help us take care of each other. Give me the words to ask for help, and help us all notice what needs doing. Amen.

Something to think about: What would I love to take off my list?

Something to try: Agree on one job someone else can take over.

Read Psalm 92:1-4

With so much to teach and remember, it can be easy to miss the fun of being with your child.

Psalm 92 begins with thanks and joy in what God has done. Take a minute to notice something you're thankful for about your child today.

Maybe they made you laugh. Maybe you enjoyed a conversation. Tell them. You don't need to turn it into a lesson or take a picture. And if today has been hard, you can be honest about that, too.

Let's pray.

God, thank You for my child. Help me enjoy who they are and notice the good I might rush past. Give us something to laugh about together. Amen.

Something to think about: What did I enjoy about my child today?

Something to try: Tell them one specific thing you loved.

Read James 1:2-8

The thing that helped your child last year might not be what they need now. That can take some getting used to.

James tells us to ask God for wisdom. We need it when we're deciding what to say, what to let them try, and when to step in.

Ask your child what would help. Listen before deciding. Older children may need a conversation before advice. We can keep loving them well while admitting we're learning this part of motherhood, too.

Let's pray.

God, please give me wisdom for this age and this child. Help me know when to help, when to listen, and when to give them room. Amen.

Something to think about: What might my child need from me now?

Something to try: Ask before assuming you already know.

Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9

You don't need to have a whole lesson ready to talk about Jesus with your kids. You can start with something that's already on their mind.

Moses tells Israel to speak about God's words at home and along the way. Faith belongs in everyday conversations. As Christian parents, we can read Scripture and pray with our children in those moments, too.

If they ask something you don't know, say, 'That's a good question. Let's find out.' I want our kids to see us learning to follow Jesus, too.

Let's pray.

Jesus, help us know You. Help me talk about You honestly, welcome my child's questions, and live what I'm teaching. Please keep teaching us both. Amen.

Something to think about: What could we pray about together today?

Something to try: Ask your child, then pray in your own words.

How are you doing? Give your child time to answer. They can show you, too.

Tell me more. Try listening before you start fixing.

Here's what I got wrong. Say you're sorry when you need to.

What would help? Agree on something you can actually try.

How is that going? Remember to ask again later.