“There’s some really bad parenting going on…”

#32 Lenten Reflections

A friend told me a story about her daughter coming home from college for Thanksgiving one year. She said upon her return, she noticed her daughter must have been taking some sort of psychology class as she was constantly “observing” her two younger siblings and how they interacted with their parents. Using her newly gained college acumen, she approached her mom and said, “There’s some really bad parenting going on here.” Ouch.

After hearing this, I thought of some of my not-so-stellar mom moments and a few not-so-bad moments mixed in…

The moment you realize…you’re at the shoe store and your child’s feet are a size 6 and they are wearing a size 3. Oops and Ouch.

The moment you realize…you washed your favorite shirt in a load of rags and now you’re cleaning the bathroom floor with it.

The moment you realize…you told your child (a little too loudly) not to “hold going to the bathroom” at a sleepover because he “WILL get a stomach ache”.

The moment you realize…you’ve just remade every bed in your home even though they were already “made” by your children.

The moment you realize…your parents were right when they said to always live within your means.

The moment you realize…your daughter has grown two inches, you’ve already hemmed her orchestra dress, and the concert is tonight.

The moment you realize…your parents were pretty cool to show up to every game, concert, 4-H event and so much more.

The moment you realize…you’re singing along loudly to the School House Rock CD in the car and no kids are present.

The moment you realize…your child has holes in his socks and he’s figured out the fold-and-tuck method to make them work.

The moment you realize…your child says, “Now that I’m in 3rd grade, can I call you Mom instead of Mama?” and you say “Um, No.”

The moment you realize…you are price matching at Publix.

The moment you realize…you’re at the orthodontist so often you get irritated when another parent is sitting in your seat. Rude.

The moment you realize…you won’t leave the house without a coupon.

The moment you realize…you want to make change for a $20 bill in the collection basket at church.

The moment you realize…you just yelled “Don’t forget to say your prayers!!” to your 7th grader who is standing at the bus stop with 10 other kids.

Perfection is overrated.

Spiritual Journey of the day – embrace all your imperfections.

Thanks for joining me,

❤️Lucretia