End of March Reflections

It was my birthday month, but the little people in my house are the ones who have done some significant growing up during the past few weeks. I'm still marveling at the changes, some of which happened practically overnight. It's all good - some of it has me downright giddy. But as with any changes - even the good ones - there are new challenges too. A squirmy, busy baby doesn't want to hold still for diaper changes. A newly reading preschooler can be so eager that he wants to monopolize mommy's day by doing reading lessons all. day. long. A 2-year-old who may just be past his obstinate screaming phase ... oh wait, there are surely no downsides to that. Just a saner mama who is basking in a more peaceful home.
And the thing about all of it, is that it has so little to do with me, or my abilities as a mother, or my teaching or my discipline. These children simply are who they are, transforming, emerging. There are rough patches which they do come through, and mostly my job is to be there to love them and walk with them each step of the way. There's plenty of faith required in the process. And patience in not trying to force the results we want to see. I think that type of patience is easiest when they are littlest - of course they will learn to walk and talk. But as they grow it can be harder and harder to simply be with our children - and let them be who they are. Let them experience all the emotions and challenges of life and only gently guide. To lead by example, recognizing that it's not a magic parenting formula but a relationship.  I'm still learning all this, growing along with my children. Maybe I did some growing up this month too.