Parental Growth

I've been feeling really frustrated with parenting lately, and I thought I was in need of a tune up. Rusty's been really busy with grad school, work, and now summer school, so I've been on my own a LOT. The boys have felt the stress and it has shown itself in whining, and temper tantrums. Judah is getting bigger and stronger and, as it turns out, is a wicked wicked little thing. He is, more often than not, the cause of any strife between the two. I am having to teach Andrew to retaliate just enough to get Judah off of him, but not so much that he causes major injuries. Anyway, it's been a tough couple months. I picked up this book and I am about half way through. I thought I would recommend it because it does a really great job of discussing how your children should take priority without forgetting to accomplish your other tasks. I have started praying with the boys before bed again, and I am surprised about how much it helps me to re-establish a calm attitude. Andrew sits still with his hands folded, and Judah runs around like a crazy person. But ultimately it's two minutes that refocuses the family before the end of the day. I use it as an opportunity to ask forgiveness for losing my patience with the boys, and to ask for help to grow in all my many areas of weakness. I've got a long way to go. These boys try my patience, but my heart desires to be a mother that teaches them what's really important.