Stepping on Toes

I am a little frustrated right now.  I don't know if it is because I am not getting as much sleep as before although I feel fairly rested in that regard; however, I do know when I have less sleep I can take things more sensitively.

By posting this I will most likely be stepping on toes whether it is intentional or not.  Part of me feels like my toes have already been stepped on, so I would just be returning the action...not that that would make it right.  However, venting a little will help me feel better.

1) Please let me be the parent of my child.  I am the mom; my husband is the dad.  We are in charge of how our family is run as well as correcting behaviors that we feel are inappropriate.  If either my husband or myself are present, it is our job to be the parent, so please back off and let us do our job.

2) Please speak to my child in a kind way.  Do not raise your voice and speak harshly with them.  I cringe when I hear my child spoken to in a overbearing manner.  There may be a circumstance where danger is imminent, and one must raise their voice to get a child to stop (running into the street, for example); however, if it is a simple, small infraction, please be more gentle.  My child is precious to me, and I hurt for him when I hear him talked to in a way that might make him feel belittled.

3) Please make us feel like our family is important to you.  My husband and I may not always want to attend family activities, but we do because we love our extended family and we want you to know you are special and you matter to us.  Please show us the same respect and make a big deal out of moments in our lives that are a big deal to us.

4) Please don't boast or gloat when you can do something better than us in the category of parenthood.  You have been here before...we are still learning.  Our children are the world to us and we are trying our best to raise them into wonderful young men.  If we ask for advice, feel free to offer some, but there is no need to give your opinion about every single little matter.  Everyone parents differently and that is okay as long as the children are being cared for and their needs are being met.

5) Don't be surprised if I say something that comes across harshly when it involves you being critical of my parenting style or my children.  I can only keep my mouth closed so much.  It is easier to do when it is about me (although it still is hurtful); however, the Mama Bear comes out when I feel my children are not being treated/spoken to respectfully.

Anyway...besides these little issues that relate to parenting and my children, life in our home is amazing right now.  All three of my boys are doing wonderfully and adjusting to each other.  Next week will be the true challenge when my husband returns to work, and I am completely on my own; however, I have confidence that God will give me the strength to be a great mom to our precious boys.