4 Ways to be an Effective Mother

As moms, we have a million and one things going on at all times.  I’ve done many triathlons and running events and have felt the overwhelming physical exhaustion followed by the triumph of finishing a race well. Being a mom is way more exhausting and much more terrifying.

Running a race physically, the only thing to worry about is not finishing.  In running the race of being a mom and raising children – my mind swarms with fear of injury, lost souls, the world-devouring them, pain, broken hearts that need mending, what if they don’t talk to me and really need some guidance, am I even doing this right, what if they grow up to be a burden to society, …

Well, of course, I realize that living in fear won’t do anything to help my children, so after attending A Weekend To Remember these are the 4 things I took away to help do my part, along with God, to guide my children in the way they should go.

An Effective Mother:

1. Looks at the wisdom God provides for parenting
   1. The bible is filled with parenting advice.   In a few different posts, I’ve highlighted a few books to help put God’s teaching for parents into quick resources to instantly help us move forward with any lesson we are called to teach them.
2. She is intentional and guides the next generation
   1. Intentional living is key to being successful in whatever God calls from us.  By living intentionally as moms, we introduce our children to God and help them understand the bible.  We communicate family values and priorities to our children through words and actions. We also ensure that there is consistent instruction, correction, and discipline… And Lot’s of Prayer.
   2. We also need to fill our children with love without letting our homes become ‘children-centered.’  They are important, but not the most important person in the world.  Teaching good manors, patience, and other’s focused values will help them grow up to realize that God and others should be the center – not self/selfishness.
      

      She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. – Proverbs 31:26

3. She helps her children discover their identity, teaches them character, the power of relationships and their purpose.
   1. A mother helps her children understand their identity in who God says they are (Children of the Father) and how not to fall victim to chasing the world’s view and value of them.
   2. Teaching our children to recognize their gifts and how to use them for God’s purpose
   3. Character – we need to teach our children by reinforcing positive attitudes and right choices.
   4. Understanding the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships is vital to them being grounded in who God says they are.  By learning how to treat others – they will know what they should expect from others.
      1. They need to learn how to honor and respect others
      2. How to respond properly to authority
      3. how to be unselfish and put others first
      4. how to be kind in all situation (without letting others walk on them)
4. She helps shape the future by equipping, being a role model and influencing them.

An effective mom is continuously teaching, consistently, and clearly!  This approach will be exhausting at times, and we’ll want to fall into TV watching and putting our feet up.  That’s why it’s so important to have a ‘city’ around you to keep encouraging you, others to help reinforce the values you’re teaching your children and a network of people that you can turn to when things get tough.

Let us trust in God and rely on like minded families for the support, strength, and courage to run this mighty calling of parenthood