Drill Sergeant Mom - Part I

Oh my Gosh! I just found a post on a fellow blogger's site that states what I have so often felt about myself as a parent!!! Drill Sergeant Dad captures the questions I have wondered about myself -- Who is this person yelling and being so impatient?! These beautiful children should be relished for all of their energy (Lord knows Jared has enough for an army), for all of their inquisitiveness (I would love to get one of those ticker things so that I can click it once for each question he asks during a day - heck, during one car ride!!), for their impulsiveness (I'm way too reserved, boring and unimaginative!), and for all of their attention seeking silliness and play (Jared is my clown and Abigial is my performer). Instead, I all too often hear such a harsh, impatient voice barking orders. I always make it a point to never put them down personally but I do complain way too often about their not listening or obeying or thinking about what they're doing. I want so badly to be a good mom. I want to be that super-mom that never raises her voice, is always so patient and loving and encouraging. I pray daily that God will give me the wisdom to know how to best raise my children. I try to teach them manners and proper behavior. My fears are that I hold on too tightly and don't let them "breathe" enough as children but then I fear that if I don't keep a hold on them, they won't learn proper behavior or responsibility. I pray that I don't "screw them up" as so many adults cry about how their parents messed them up. I realize now how difficult it really is to be a parent (and am that much more thankful for my own). But I try - I really do. And I hope they will always know how much I love them - I love them to bits!!