So I'm reading this book called "Grace Based Parenting" (great book by the way, everyone should read it) and it was talking about how encouraging your children in the gifts that God has given them will make them stronger people. So as I was contimplating this I began to think about all of the times that I already screw up in this area as a parent, encouraging that is, even though my child is only 11 months old. I seem to catch myself comparing a lot lately. I know every parent probably does this at some point, at least I tell myself that to make myself feel better. I hate that I do this!! Adelaide isn't walking or crawling or even sitting herself up from a lying position at this point (except in her crib, which I'm not really sure how she does it cause she's always just sitting there, we've never actually seen her do it.) So I see all these other babies hitting all of these milestones and I find myself comparing Adelaide and wondering if we should be doing something different. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love Adelaide and wouldn't change a thing about her, I just get frustrated I guess. I don't want to wish her life away but I'm excited for her to be able to explore more. She's getting bored just sitting. So we try to encourage and praise her when she gets close and we'll continue to do so. I know that she'll crawl and walk when she's ready and God has a plan for her, we just have to wait, even if it's agonizing to her parents. I shouldn't complain because I think most kids would be throwing a hissy fit by now every time they tried and didn't succeed but Adelaide just rolls over and finds something else to do. She is such a laid back child, I think that's why it's taking her so long, she's perfectly content doing what she's always done. We go to Children's in Jan. and I hope they'll be encouraging. Our friends and family are encouraging as well but you can only hear the same things so many times before you start to question them. Anyway, just something I've been struggling with and just need to keep praying about. So until she learns I'll just have to carry this adorable little poodle around myself. Life is hard.
That picture is adorable! :) One of my cousins was just telling me how none of her 3 boys walked before 16-18 months and she liked it that way!
ReplyDeletedude, we all compare our kids to other kids! I'm right there with you! George took his sweet time too...and i'm glad. because we got to enjoy the baby-ness for awhile. now, i can't get him to stop! she's sooooo cute!
ReplyDeleteMeg - Sorry about your frustration - It is hard - we want our children to excel - doesn't matter at what age they are (nor does it matter what age we are!) Learning to encourage them in whatever gifts God has given them - that is key - In the little bit I have seen Adelaide - she is such an observer - as you said she will take off one of these days - and then yes you will wonder what happened to your baby - we work and work at getting our children to walk and talk and then want them to slow down and listen : )
ReplyDeleteYou are normal - to compare - to get frustrated - to feel like "will she ever start?" Everytime you do - thank God for your precious gift - give her a hug and look into that precious face - and just keep encouraging - remember it's God's timeline for her as you encourage her! You and Tyler are great parents! Blessings! Becky
Meg- Matthias was 15 months before he walked and didnt do the whole "normal" crawling thing. He liked to army crawl around and was just laid back like your sweet pea.
ReplyDeleteOn another note- I want to see you! P.F. Changs?!