As our daughter and I were watching Anne of Green Gables yet another time, the nursery rhyme “Row, row, row your boat” came to mind in a comment that was made in regards to parenting…it got me thinking…

Sometimes we forget that there are two of us given the responsibility of parenting our kids, not just one of us! We need to remember that we both need to be picking up those ‘oars’ and working hard to balance our kids’ ‘life boats’ every day. We need to be sharing responsibilities evenly and taking in to consideration the other parents views and ideas as well.

I will admit that this is an area that I have failed  on many levels. Because I stayed at home with our kids I felt like I knew them better and just ‘knew best’.  I know that this has been a disservice to our kids and I have regrets for this.

If you are a younger parent than I, please consider how important it is for your children to learn from both of you and have input from both Dad AND Mom, in their formative years.

When just one of you is constantly doing all the ‘rowing’ it can cause burn-out, resentment and confusion in your kids.  They even may be feeling like their boats are a little tippy at times when they seem to be always driven in one direction by just one parent.

SO…start sharing the rowing with your partner. It will make this parenting trip so much easier…and you won’t just keep going in circles!

Love, Karen

I was out with a friend recently who said that when she was young she made a vow that she would never be like her Mom who ‘tip-toed’ around her husband to make sure he was happy so he would not blow up.

Are you the kind of parent that when you enter the door of your home your spouse and family feel like they have to change how they are acting or what they are doing to appease you or ensure your comfort for fear of a blow-up or negative discussions ensuing?  Ask yourself what you think your kids may make vows about as a result of your actions or attitudes in your home. What behaviors are they going to want to carry on as they move towards becoming a parent themselves? How much of Jesus are they seeing in your daily habits?

Think about the things that your parents did when you were a child. Which one of their behaviors or actions have you mimicked now that you have children?

Do everything you can to avoid being the one who pushes your spouse and family to feel they have to tip-toe like they are on eggshells when you are around. Have fun, loosen up, don’t take life so seriously and give the control over to God…your and your family’s life will be then filled with happy memories that will last a lifetime!

Remember that your time with your kids is very short but you will leave lasting impressions in their minds…make them good ones!

Love,

Karen

Have you ever been to a live production and were amazed by the lead role’s ability to memorize a ton of lines, act smoothly and appear so calm?…Now imagine the guy who lowers the curtain and cleans up backstage coming out and trying to fill that role.  It would be a disaster, for sure!

     As I thought of this in the context of parenting, I began to realize that sometimes we try to take the place of the Lead Role (God) with our kids. We teach them to become dependant on us and not on God. Do we sometimes act like we have the answers and that as long as we are available, God is just needed for ‘emergencies’ only or as their back-up plan?

     If we are in a habit ourselves of living for God and always including Him in all that we do, our kids will see this. They will learn by our example that “…apart from Him, we can do NOTHING”.

     The next time your child comes to you with a hurt, disappointment or disaster, remember to pray with them first before you give your own wisdom and insight. Teach them that God cares even about the smallest details of their lives.

     Have a great week!

     Love,

     Karen

Hello there!

Sex with Mom is a blog for parents and wanna-be parents.

I’m going to be completely honest with you- I don’t know exactly where this blog with go.  I’m hoping that you can add your voice to this discussion.  Here are a few ideas:

I was originally thinking it would become a dialogue about the generational differences regarding sex and relationships, and how parents and teens can somehow find a way to not make that an awkward discussion.

Maybe it will become a place where young married couples can prepare for having children, learning from wise and experienced parents.  I think I would like that.

Or maybe something else…it’s up to you really.

God willing, a new post will go up every Friday.

Talk to you soon!
Jay