Using Those Tools!

This has been a hell of a week in the parenting department. I feel like I have won some and lost some.

Sometimes, being the only parent, I can doubt myself. I sometimes wish there was someone else to back me up when I have to be the bad guy and set punishments or say no. Sometimes, like this week, events happen and I fear making the wrong move. It's easy to get mired down in self pity and make it all about me.

I'm really grateful for the ability to recognize when that is happening. This is a life I am helping to shape. I know she will make her own choices, and I encourage her to do so. I do my best to supply her with the appropriate knowledge to make healthy choices. In the long run the consequences will be hers to be had.

I am truly powerless over her choices. I'm not powerless over my response to those choices.  This is something I am learning, however the mom in me would love to have control and save her from consequences.

I was reminded of the power of pausing and using restraint of tongue. I was reminded of the benefits of responding rather than reacting.

I'm grateful for that.