Parenting can be scary (but sometimes it’s all about perspective)
When you become a mom or dad, it seems like there are so many things to fear: from SIDS during those first few months, to things like our kids choking, drowning, or running into the street and getting hurt.
I still remember when my kids were just newborns and how I’d go into their rooms in the middle of the night to check if they were okay.
I still recall the panic when I think about the time my son–just two years old–wandered away during a neighborhood party and we thought we lost him.
As a mom, I admit, there have been many times I’ve been fearful about the safety, health, or well-being of my kids.
And I’m finding out as time passes, it doesn’t necessarily stop as they get older. With each new year, it seems like there are new things to worry about.
Which is why I LOVE this reminder not to fear.
Deb, one of our talented writers over at 5MinutesforFaith shared a story last week that I wanted to share with you. It’s a great reminder that, even though there might be things to be scared of as a parent, living in fear is not how we were meant to live.
Here’s the story:
A Child’s View of Thunderstorms
A little girl walked to and from school daily. Though the weather one morning was questionable and clouds were forming, she still made her daily trek to the elementary school. As the afternoon progressed, the winds whipped up, along with lightning. The mother of the little girl felt concerned that her daughter would be frightened as she walked home from school, and she feared the electrical storm might harm her child.
Full of concern, the mother quickly got into her car and drove along the route to her child’s school.
As she did, she saw her little girl walking along. At each flash of lightning, the child would stop, look up, and smile. Another, then another, flash of lighting followed, and with each one the little girl would look at the streak of light and smile.
When the mother’s car drew up beside the child, she lowered the window and called to her, “What are you doing?”
The child answered, “I am trying to look pretty because God keeps taking my picture.”
As Deb said so well when she shared this story, sometimes it’s all about perspective, isn’t it?
Click here to read more about Deb’s experience with fear and the reassurances she shares. Her post made me thankful for my faith and how much it’s helped over the years when I’ve slipped into that worried-mama mode. :)
What about you? Have you ever struggled with fear as a parent?
Genny, I love that perspective you shared from Deb! What a sweet, innocent view of God that little girl has! Although I must say as a mom, I get concerned for my kids' safety whenever I sense a threat. I do my best to keep my eyes peeled and try to leave the rest in God's hands :)
awww, how adorable that was. What a great way to look at a bad situation. :) Thanks for sharing that story. As a parent, I think our mind wanders to the worst case scenario so we can protect our kids and nothing will surprise us. I, too, went into my daughter's room to check her breathing and stuff like that when she was little. We just have to be careful not to OVERprotect, because that can have bad results. We want them to learn on their own and have lots of opportunities and experiences, but I think it's good that we have some fear for our kids, after all, we are their protectors and guardians :)
Great reminder to view life through the eyes of a child. Although, as a parent, it's very difficult not to fear for your child. You asked if anyone has ever had fear as a parent and my answer is yes, Yes, YES! When my children were both diagnosed with cancer (Parker at 4 months and Faith at two days), the fear was almost more than I could handle. I remember being nearly frozen with fear that my children were going to die. It was bad with Parker, but even worse with Faith because her cancer was so much more progressed and she had been born six weeks early and diagnosed already at two days. Sitting with her when she was four days old and watching the first round of chemo flow through the IVs into her tiny little body was a fear like none-other I've ever felt. I remember the day she started chemo she had been put under anesthesia for an eye exam and the doctor used lasers in an attempt to destroy the tumors in her eyes. Before we left the house that day, I stood in the shower…hoping no one would hear me…and I sobbed and sobbed and sobbed as I feared for the life of my precious baby girl.During their lives I have feared other things, too…the "normal" things like getting hurt, wandering off, having their feelings hurt…trying to protect them from all of the harmful things in life. You're right…it certainly doesn't get easier as they get older. It's just different because their experiences are different. Sometimes, because of their earlier experiences, I tend to be a little over-protective with them. Other times, I have to remind myself that they both need to experience what life has to offer and I don't want to make them afraid of things. Usually, my intuition…which I have learned to listen to and trust…is what I follow and I know that no matter what, my job is to be their mom and I will do it with my whole-heart no matter how much of a "freaky-over-protective" mommy that makes me :)Sorry for the long response. Sometimes my fingers just to flying on the keyboard and it's hard to make them stop!Peace and blessings…and God's lightening camera-flashes…to your day!Jeanine
Wow…that is some cool perspective!Thank you for sharing this, Genny. I think all us Mamas have fears for our babies to some degree, but it is such a comfort to know that they rest in His hands (which are much more capable than my own!)You blessed me today with this…thank you! :)PS I may look up and smile during the next thunderstorm, too! HA!
Thanks Genny for your post and as always for your encouragement. Girls your comments have touched my heart. Jeanine, we had a grandson born at 1lb.9oz. who also experienced months in the NICU. That is indeed a special kind of fear and worry. Tell your story often, you have a message to share! May each of you be blessed with many reasons to look up and smile!
What a cute story! And great comments. I think we can all relate being afraid for our children from time to time. I don't know what I would do without God to take things to.I'm so glad I stopped by today. :0Hugs
My son is 3 1/2 month old, and each time he skips a nighttime nursing, I go in to make sure he's still breathing!
Amazing perspective there… I love that you shared this today!!Be blessed-amanda
I really enjoyed reading this. Thank you for sharing! When I became a mom, I was shocked over how much fear and anxiety I felt about bad things happening. To be honest, I still have a lot of fear.
Thank you all for sharing your stories and your hearts!