I will never be a perfect mother

Written by Wynter Pitts
Published on May 07, 2021

I recently read this and immediately recognized it as one of the truest statements ever…

“I was going to be a perfect mother…Then I had children!” – Mothers everywhere

Have you ever felt like this? I may not have phrased it as eloquently as the above, but now that I have children the notion of perfection is laughable.

“Children bring out our weaknesses and lack of faith, ultimately leading us to a posture of prayer.”

Pre-kids I had a list of “I will never’s.” And to be honest, those “never’s” have gradually become understandable exceptions.

Things like:

“I will never let my kids play outside all day in their pj’s.”

Now I smile because I am the mother next door I never thought I’d be.

I will never let my house become dirty and look like “so and so’s.”

Isn’t dirty such a relative word?

My children will never talk to me like that.

I definitely demand respect from my children, but a healthy debate with my seven-year old is sometimes fun and a welcomed challenge!

The realities of motherhood often reduce a multitude of parenting rules down to the bare essentials in areas that are more preference than standard.

 

So, I have decided to turn my failing list of “nevers” into a growing list of commitments I can actually keep!

A list of “I wills.”

I asked others to join me and here is what we have come up with:

I WILL give my kids the good morning hug – EVERY MORNING!!!

I WILL pray with the kids before they walk out of the door for school. Even if I’m so irritated with their behavior that I want to pull my hair out. Maybe I should say ESPECIALLY when I’m so irritated.

I WILL ALWAYS dance with my children, no matter how loud they scream, beg and plead for me to stop!!

I WILL randomly enter their classrooms whether necessary or not.

I WILL let my baby wear high waters in public…as long as they look like capris!

I WILL ALWAYS let my daughters know they are valued.

I WILL make sure the kids go to the bathroom before leaving the house, even if they say they don’t have to go.

I WILL be honest with my children. I will tell them things like, “That’s not the right top for you,” or “You really need to brush your teeth!”

I WILL ALWAYS know the names of my daughter’s 3 best friends even if it means learning them every 3 days!

I WILL continue to decide my children’s outfits based on my body temperature at the moment.

I WILL_______________________________________________________!

Your turn!

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Wynter Pitts

Wynter Pitts is the author of several books, including She Is Yours: Trusting God As You Raise the Girl He Gave You and You’re God’s Girl! She is the founder of For Girls Like You, a bi-monthly magazine that equips girls to walk boldly into who God has created them to be and to resource their parents to raise strong Christ-following God girls who say yes to His plans for their lives.

Wynter tragically passed from death to life on July 24, 2018, after 15 years of marriage to her beloved Jonathan. She leaves behind an incredible legacy through her many writings but more importantly in her four daughters—Alena, Kaitlyn, Camryn, and Olivia.

Jonathan and his girls continue to carry forward Wynter’s mission through For Girls Like You Ministries.

Read more about Wynter

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