Expecting our second child is exciting. I look forward to witnessing our little one learning and growing, cooing and laughing over the simplest things like pink honeysuckle, dog sneezes, and belly kisses. On the other hand, I’m anxious about double the tantrums, double the poopy diapers, and quadruple the Cheerios crunching underfoot.
But that’s reality. It must be accepted and appreciated. Eighteen months into motherhood, I’ve learned that for every hectic moment, in which I think seriously, is this my life?, a wonderful moment follows, in which I thank God for this is my life!
I must remember this wisdom when the job demands much more of me in the future. Like any person looking for role models, structure, and advice to make meaning of and feel comfortable with a new role, I’ve read dozens of books and magazines, listened to friends and family, and turned to faith.
Doing so has helped me cultivate peace for myself and my family. This is important because home is the foundation of society. Mothers and fathers must cultivate civility so that their community is one of dignity. Peace and stability, therefore, must exist in the home.
Of course, no one is perfect every moment. We all lose our cool. However, I don’t think parenthood has to be rife with the anxiety and stress that plagues our culture. Isn’t childhood a time of sheltered bliss, of building sand castles and soaring on swings?
Yes, and it is a parent’s responsibility and privilege to make it a precious time so that the seeds of good character can take root. To cultivate and nurture this special time, which will never repeat itself, parents must be at peace. Children are too extraordinary for the most important people in their lives to be stressed out.
I want to share some things that help maintain the peace around this household–at least most of the time. My first suggestion is to grow in faith.
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