Knowing Who We Are & Who We Are Not

We were so fortunate to have our very own Johanna Oddo speak to us about womanhood and mothering!

We are challenged to find what God equipped us for. Remember that you are the best mom for your children, and that He knows His plan for your marriage and family.
It benefits us to surround ourselves with moms not like ourselves...Gain from them, and your kids will benefit from them too.
Know things about yourself. Allow growing. And stretch. God will put us in those scenarios!
Don't define yourself by what you can and can't do---That limits God.
Show your love of God in your own unique ways!
God made us how he wanted us to be...Be OK with that, breaking the bondage of pressure to be somebody else.
On Mothering: Stay consistent and follow through!
Don't forget you are now parenting your future 21 year old. Communicate clear boundaries. Boundaries are good for proper development and foster high self esteem.
Remember: If they don't respect you at home, it won't happen at Target!
Kids need to know they can trust you. Delayed gratification is a good thing for them to learn.
Be confident in your parenting style and it will be easier to be consistent.
Take time to communicate with them where they're at. Treat each child as an individual.
Teach them how to solve their problems. Don't always rescue and remove. Teach to forgive.
Teach that it's OK to have emotions but it's not OK to get out of control.
Never make them feel ashamed for their questions. They will wrestle with God questions.
Match your lifestyle with your words.
Talk about their spouse.
No one will parent your child better than you and motherhood is high calling...let's not forget this, ladies!
Johanna can be reached at johanna@thebridgersm.com