When Joel and I realized that our daughter Kestra was on the way - we realized that we were going to be BUSY with 3 children under 3 running around (later would be 4 under 4)! I remember thinking through - the diapers, the potty training, the runny noses, the laundry, etc.What I DIDN'T think about...the attitudes that I would see at ages 13, 12, 11! Ha Ha!
I don't regret for a moment having my kids close together - even though I didn't plan it at all - but there are times (like today) that I just go - REALLY? How can I deal with this? Let me try to share a run down...
Hannah age 13 in 8th grade: decides to use SARCASIM every other word both to her siblings and to us. Although most of the time quiet - when she wants to talk, it is TALK NON-STOP and she doesn't think anyone else needs a chance. Also, being the oldest - she has an argument for EVERYTHING...I promise she would make a great lawyer! Ha ha! Of course, we are also dealing with the hormones and that is challenging all on its own! She also knows all there is to know about everything - just ask her and by the way - I know NOTHING!!! Hee hee
Malachi age 12 in 6th grade: Oh Jr. High boys!!! LOL. Caught in that stage between wanting to be a kid and wanting to be a teen, his emotions go up and down. Right now - they are more down than up! He cries over the littlest things - UGH! Another issue with him is that he tries SO hard to relate to Hannah and her interests when in fact - he just doesn't get it (then again neither do I)!
Kestra age 11 in 5th grade: Just entering this world of the pre-teen, the hormones are raging and she too is struggling between the child and the teen! She has gone from my sweet happy go-lucky smiling face - to testing the boundaries, talking back and crying over apparently nothing. Most of the time she will jump right back to that sweet girl but there are times that I just want to scream!!! LOL.
With all of this - I still wouldn't change it! As the kids have gotten older, I have realized there is a new kind of fun! Instead of playing on the floor with toys or watching veggie tales - we talk about friends, boys (with Hannah), shop, watch movies, etc. I do try to encourage my kids to talk to me and in turn I do have to make myself LISTEN and not react! Ha!
I guess the one thing that I am learning about raising kids- every age range has its ups and downs - its challenges and rewards. As much as I don't like the attitudes - ok they really make me want to scream - I am also in no hurry because more and more I am realizing the time I have them is SHORT! Hannah will graduate 4 years from May!!!
Through this I am seeing my own reltionship with God in a different light too! How often, do I get an attitude with Him? How many times do I throw a fit and cry over nothing with Him? Yet, like I have seen the GOOD times with my kids and I am able to forgive the bad and ugly times - God LOVES the times that I just sit and share my day with Him, He loves to hear me talk about my highs my lows my challenges and blessings! I want to be that with my kids - the place where they come and know that NO MATTER what, they will be loved, forgiven, and encouraged. I want them to know that I LOVE spending time with them and sharing in their day...May I always have an ear to listen and an understanding heart for them!
So - yes, tonight has been a tad frusterating and I did want to tie them up in a straight jacket with duct tape on the mouth; I don't want to trade it for anything! I know that my kids feel comfortable sharing and talking with me! Thankfully - the GOOD days really do out way the bad and ugly ones...
1 comment:
We're dealing with this with Damaris, age 11, 6th grade, as well. She is struggling in that place between kid & teen. It is so hard, but we just try to stay present with her & work through the tough spots because all of us have tough spots. Praying for yall today!
Grace & Peace, C.C.
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