3/18 Meeting

 3/18 Meeting

Thank you to our Mentor Moms Schellie, Lara, Shelly, Barb, Cindy, and Kitty for sharing their wisdom with us and allowing us to ask questions. Read on to hear their answers to our burning questions!

First and foremost, we are encouraged to always start with prayer, whatever we are facing. In being moms, especially if we are prone to worrying about our children, we’re encouraged to pray for our kids and give them to God, acknowledging that our kids were God’s before they were ours. We should ask for God’s care and provision and all the good things we already know God wants for them – and us.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4: 6-8

In helping support husbands to lead the family, Mentor Moms shared that it can help to allow them to do it their own way. This helps husbands (just as it helps everyone) build confidence and demonstrates respect for them.

In helping kids with big emotions, it can help to say that “it is okay to feel [the emotion]” and help your child diffuse the emotion so you can help them figure out what the root problem is. One size does not fit all for managing big emotions, so you will need to find out what works best for each child.

When asked about disciplining children, Mentor Moms reminded us that, biblically, clear boundaries and appropriate discipline are critical and will make our jobs as parents easier. It is important to be on the same page as your spouse in boundaries and discipline as in other aspects, and remember that each child has different motivations, so what works for one may not be effective for another.

When asked for ways to help maintain an orderly home with small children, we were told that it is okay to be okay with the disarray and lack of tidiness in the home that can come with this season of having small children. If having an organized home is very important to you, you can try kid-swapping for a few hours with a friend: one of you takes all of your kids somewhere outside of your home while you get to clean and organize, uninterrupted. You could also set aside even one space in your home to have organized, and where no toys are allowed. If you find yourself feeling guilty for not having a tidy home, ask yourself where the guilt is coming from: if it’s comparison, get rid of the unrealistic expectation, like Instagram, Pinterest, etc. If it is from another person, remember that our goal should be pleasing the Lord and not men (or women).

Thanks for revisiting the Mentor Mom panel! If you have follow-up questions or other questions, please don’t hesitate to ask a Mentor Mom yourself or ask your table leader to help you get connected with one of these lovely ladies. They’re around to help!