Having patience with children can be challenging. Here are some tips from one parent to another on how to be a consistently patient parent.
Here in our house recently, we have been doing a great deal of work outside. Ever since we moved into this house, there were things we wanted to do to make it a home. One of the things we have wanted to do is make a new garden area with raised beds and a fence. We have dogs and small children, so a fence is necessary. Originally, we were able to get some old fence pickets from a family member and just throw something cheap together to be able to at least get some seeds in the ground. I am grateful we were able to use that area to grow fruits and veggies for the family leading up to this Summer. Until recently, we could not afford to do this project and I’m overjoyed to get this project under way.
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Daily challenges
It is a challenge to add any project to the day with small children around. As of now, I have an infant and a toddler here at the house so I have to be really strategic with my time. We do involve the toddler when we can to be able to teach him living and creativity skills.
Another thing I have to be aware of is not over-loading myself. When over-load happens, patience goes out the door. I feel terrible when I lose my patience with my kids just because of my mistake in piling up my plate too high. Making disciples of my children is my number one responsibility, for as long as I’m in this child-rearing season. Sometimes I need that extra reminder of what my priorities should be.
The importance of organization
Have you ever felt like the day is just chaos and you don’t even remember what you did that day? I know this happens to me often, unfortunately. I am in the season of life with little ones where my brain is often fried by the end of the day.
Something I’ve noticed is that the days that I can’t remember what I even did, these are the same days there was disorganization. When there isn’t structure and familiarity put into place, it leaves room for the enemy to creep into the day. Namely, our sin can take over everything we do. Satan would want nothing more than to throw off our day and cause chaos.
The kids get more disobedient when I’m scrambling around to get stuff done during the day. Likewise, I get flustered and impatient when I am disorganized.
To avoid this, I be sure to make a plan for each day. This way, my family and myself have some expectations for the day. Then, if things get out of wack you can get back on track. This could mean a physical list or just a conscious one.
Our schedule kind of changes with the seasons. It also changes with the kids’ ages. Luckily, my boys both still take a nap. This is a predictable time I can count on to get myself back on track and save my sanity for the rest of the day and be a patient parent.
Where to turn when you can’t be a patient parent on your own
What better place to turn for encouragement and comfort than the Bible itself! There is no where better to find comfort and direction than God’s word. God’s written word is true and timeless. We can search it to find help being patient when we need. We were not created to do life alone, He is here with us.
One thing that is helpful to remember is how sinful I am and how much patience God has with me every single day. Wow, I am so thankful for His grace and patience toward me. How much more should I model this love to my children through my grace and patience with them?
Another part of this is turning to God in prayer. Lifting up prayers for ourselves, specifically, but also for our children. Talking to God gives me so much peace in every situation, no matter how crazy the day can get. He hears our cries out to him. This is even part of being a godly woman, recognizing our need for Christ and crying out to our savior!
If you do not have a godly mentor or a sister in Christ you can turn to for encouragement, I encourage you to pray that God will help you will find one. It is such a blessing to have a fellow Christian to confide in life’s challenges with and encourage one another with God’s word.
Where self care comes into play with parenting
If we do not make time to get ourselves taken care of, we will not be in any condition to care for another. This is something I REALLY struggle with right now. Being in this season with small children really makes it hard to make the time to do things for myself. Some things I enjoy that help me relax include taking a bath, working outside, or using an Essential Oil protocol to clear my brain. I appreciate the Symphony of cells guide for protocols. It’s really nice when I can make time to do those things at least a couple of times every week.
This makes me more relaxed, and therefor a more patient parent for my children. If my own stress and disorganization is cleared up, I will be more available to care, lovingly for my children.
To sum up patient parenting
We can look back on three points to sum up how to achieve being a consistently patient parent. The first thing is to organize your time to prevent unnecessary chaos. Secondly, we can run to God in prayer and read His word for help and comfort when we feel the day is chaos. This includes fellowshipping with fellow Christians and getting encouragement on the matter at hand. Finally, remember to take the time to schedule out some self care. We can be more loving and patient when we have had a chance to relax and clear our minds.
Leave a comment with your favorite ways to help you be a patient parent!
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