This  blog post is a guest submission by a new Christian blogger that I met through my faith writing community on instagram. Anne had been jotting some notes on how she was learning through her children and thought it fit with the theme of my blog. I think it’s a perfect fit and I know it will encourage and challenge you as well. Happy reading!

The privilege of being a parent is a blessing I’m grateful for each day. We know that having a child brings about changes to your life. Yes, it really does, in so many ways. Some believe that parenting is just about teaching and caring for the little ones. It goes farther than that. They also teach and care for us also, they mold us and make us adjust to situations in life. By constantly paying attention to their growth, behavior and attitude to life, we learn some things that are beneficial to us as parents too. That’s what I’ve come to learn as a parent.

Have you ever noticed certain characters in your children that has taught you a lesson in life or made you rethink the way you deal with situations? Well, I have, and I’m still paying attention to learn more every day. A few things I’ve learnt from my little ones:

Forgiveness:

How peaceful the heart of a child is. The sweet moments when they enjoy the company of each other with so much enthusiasm, as if the entire world would stop still for them. Sometimes, these sweet moments come to an end pretty quickly- one person is mad at the other. Then an amazing thing happens, they forget what led to the cry in a few minutes and continue playing with each other like nothing happened. It makes me wonder what goes on in their little minds. Many adults hold on-to little things with people that don’t matter, but here are the little ones letting go and moving on without being preached to about it. This must be one of the reasons the word of God says in Matthew 18:3:

“And said, Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” KJV

They forgive easily and move on with life. They are willing to say sorry, hug it out, keep playing and sharing laughter as that seem to be the most important thing that matters to them. Do we react the same way when someone hurts us?

Scripture Insight: And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. Mark 11:25

Positivity:

On several occasions, my boy has said, “Mum, don’t worry I can do it.” That’s a proud moment right there, seeing him exercise that amount of confidence. This confidence didn’t start overnight, there have been moments where he said, “Mum, I can’t draw this letter, it’s too hard”, and I kept saying, “Yes you can, just focus and try one more time.” The more he hears this, the better he believes in himself and the better his confidence and attitude towards me the parent. That makes me think, how many times do I say this to MYSELF or to the people around me.

Scripture Insight: Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Mentor:

You know the popular saying- like father like son. This is how I see it, whatever your child sees you do, that’s what they will do in turn. I’ve seen my Children mimic me in their conversation with sibling or peers, they say the exact words I’ve said. That automatically tells me I have to be very conscious of the things I say to them, the things I say around them and how I say it. That helps me mold my words and attitude because I don’t want them to take the wrong things to heart. I want to be that model they look up to and represent outside.

Scripture Insight:Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. Proverbs 9:9

Modesty:

A modest life is always the heart desire of every parent for a child. We want them to be surrounded with modest people and modest behavior to ensure they grow in that line. We caution ourselves by saying, no filthy or demeaning words when a child is around. We institute a general ground rule ‘no bad words.’ We go a long way to create these safe zones for our children. How far have we gone to create the same safe zones for ourselves? Do we caution ourselves by saying ‘no bad words from me’, no bad thoughts in my heart, no demeaning words to others, etc.?

Scripture Insight: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

May our hearts be transformed to raise these little ones in the way that pleases God.

Have your children taught you some valuable truths that make you want to be a better parent and child of God? We would love to hear them. May is the month for Mothers. So, at the end of the month, I would like to feature a post with all of your input. Just comment below or click the “Give me Hollar” link at the top.

Guest Author Bio.

Anne Etim is a wife and mother who has found writing short stories and inspirational articles endearing. Though new to Christian blogging, she intends to inspire readers and writers though her platform oursharedtales.com.

Instagram: anneetim

Blog: oursharedtales.com