1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
What’s the best way you have been encouraged as a mom?
I have had a great support system while being a new mother. I was new to the area and besides my husband, I only knew my sister, her family & some coworkers. What helped me the most was surrounding myself with mothers...good mothers....mothers that could be a support to me. I needed to be nourished and connected with mothers that had a fire in them to love God and be good mothers! I was fortunate to have mothers and non-mothers that would love on me and my daughter. Knowing that I "could do this", even if they weren't everyone's way of doing it, was comforting to me. No, I didn't have all the answers and yes I did ask questions, but at the end of the day I made the choice that I thought was best. Guess what?? It worked out!! The first couple of months....well, I'll be honest, the first year, Google was my best friend! Hearing struggles from other mother's and listening to advice....even the advice not taken, was a great source of encouragement to me. I just felt the love when I would get a call, a comment on a Facebook post or just people sending their love anyway they knew how. I liked hearing people tell me that I was doing a good job. That meant a lot to me and still does!
How can someone encourage a mom that’s been through the ringer.
Sometimes mothers like to know that they are not alone and that they are not the only person that has screwed something up! Especially when you thought you had almost gotten it together. I am not afraid to admit that sometimes I'm still not organized enough in the morning and my little one is 2!!! Call that mother and offer to help her! You may even have to insist that she let you help. It can be as simple as helping her with a chore, letting her take a two hour nap, offering to give her a homemade mani! Having a playdate with the kids. Let her know that she and her children are loved and you appreciate her! Talk with her, pray with her and mostly let her know that she has someone to call or text or whatever.....whenever she needs to!
Encouragement starts at home. How do you & your husband encourage one another??
My husband and I really try hard to encourage one another and use a soft tongue when we speak to one another. We have learned our love languages and learned to respect them and fill each other's cup. Now....it gets difficult sometimes and we get careless, but we give our all to each to make sure we are both appreciated. I give him "Man Time" and he gives me "Lady Time". We enjoy verbal affirmation with each other. He helps around the house and I say "thank you". He gets our daughter ready in the morning and does her hair and I say, "THANK YOU!!!!" We try to build each other up by respecting each other and loving each other. It's not always easy, but it is definitely always worth it.
Wow!!!! This was a wonderful link up and I hope it was encouraging to someone! I know that I am interested in reading the posts from everyone else! I love encouraging comments and new followers!
This is some really great wisdom! And Google - yes, it is my best friend too :) I feel like we shared a few similar things, I guess moms know what we need! :)
ReplyDeleteYes, we do! I think that's what makes the link up so important. You know that you aren't the only one that needs/wants the same things!
DeleteOh man, I know what you mean about Google being your best friend ;) It's always SO nice just to hear you're doing a good job. Makes those hard days worth it!
ReplyDeleteI've moved in the middle of all 3 of my pregnancies, so I can totally relate to feeling alone. You're so right about needing to connect with other moms!
ReplyDeleteGlad to have found you through the link up.