I will never be a perfect mother

I recently read this and immediately recognized it as one of the truest statements ever…

“I was going to be a perfect mother…Then I had children!” – Mothers everywhere

Have you ever felt like this? I may not have phrased it as eloquently as the above, but now that I have children the notion of perfection is laughable.

“Children bring out our weaknesses and lack of faith, ultimately leading us to a posture of prayer.”

Pre-kids I had a list of “I will never’s.” And to be honest, those “never’s” have gradually become understandable exceptions.

Things like:

“I will never let my kids play outside all day in their pj’s.”

Now I smile because I am the mother next door I never thought I’d be.

I will never let my house become dirty and look like “so and so’s.”

Isn’t dirty such a relative word?

My children will never talk to me like that.

I definitely demand respect from my children, but a healthy debate with my seven-year old is sometimes fun and a welcomed challenge!

The realities of motherhood often reduce a multitude of parenting rules down to the bare essentials in areas that are more preference than standard.

So, I have decided to turn my failing list of “nevers” into a growing list of commitments I can actually keep!

A list of “I wills.”

I asked others to join me and here is what we have come up with:

I WILL give my kids the good morning hug – EVERY MORNING!!!

I WILL pray with the kids before they walk out of the door for school. Even if I’m so irritated with their behavior that I want to pull my hair out. Maybe I should say ESPECIALLY when I’m so irritated.

I WILL ALWAYS dance with my children, no matter how loud they scream, beg and plead for me to stop!!

I WILL randomly enter their classrooms whether necessary or not.

I WILL let my baby wear high waters in public…as long as they look like capris!

I WILL ALWAYS let my daughters know they are valued.

I WILL make sure the kids go to the bathroom before leaving the house, even if they say they don’t have to go.

I WILL be honest with my children. I will tell them things like, “That’s not the right top for you,” or “You really need to brush your teeth!”

I WILL ALWAYS know the names of my daughter’s 3 best friends even if it means learning them every 3 days!

I WILL continue to decide my children’s outfits based on my body temperature at the moment.

I WILL_______________________________________________________!

Your turn!