A guest post from Sarah Ann at Faith Along the Way

1. You’re not perfect. 
As moms, we try to feign some resemblance of perfection.  We are so desperate for other women to think we excel at motherhood, and we put on a mask of perfection that prohibits others from seeing our true selves.

When we take off the mask and expose ourselves for who we are, moms that fumble through life and sometimes struggle to stay afloat, we create unity and transparency with others.

Our fellow moms who watch us juggle life from the outside, will be thrilled to see the reality of our parenting woes. Not ruled by mean ambition or ill-will, others will be relieved that we’re human and that we struggle at times, too.

Underneath our shrouds of perfection, we’re terrified of messing up our kids and praying that our best will be good enough in the end.

2. Parenthood is not a competition or a Pinterest post.
From over the top birthday parties to elaborate vacation plans, moms unknowingly compete to be the best and have the best.

Instead of building others up, moms tend to disdainfully judge every aspect of another family’s life.

Yet that’s not what wants God from us.

He call us to show love by being respectful, no matter how another chooses to parent or whether or not she feeds her family an all organic diet.

What is right for your family may not be right for another, so call off the cavalry and stop competing with each other!

3. A season of difficulty does not define your child or your parenting.
When in a season where your child has let you down {if they haven’t yet- they will!}, remember that this does not define your child or your ability to parent.

There will be moments and seasons of struggle, disobedience, and rebellion as he/she finds their way in the world.

Hit your knees and pray for guidance; trusting that God will be faithful to reveal your next steps on your journey through parenthood.

Draw strength and peace from His Word alone, trusting that He is working in the heart and life of your child.

Allow yourself to grow as a parent and for God to refine your character through this trial as well.

4. Give more grace to your child than they deserve.
It’s human nature to want to hold a grudge and to turn a cold shoulder to those who have hurt or wronged us in some way.

Parenting is no different, and it can be tempting to carry around anger and resentment against a child who has consistently done wrong.

Instead of acting in the flesh, give more grace to your little offender than he/she deserves.

Be gracious to your child when they stumble, modeling the grace offered freely at the cross to you.  After all, your child is a sinner, too, and it’s your job to point them to Jesus in action and in words.

5. God gave your child to YOU for a reason.
In those times your parenting journey is tough and overwhelming, it can be easy to question what God is doing.

Remember, He hand-picked YOU to be your child’s parent and has equipped YOU to thrive in that role.

Grab your Bible, the greatest parenting book of all, and pray specifically for strength, wisdom, and grace to to penetrate every fiber of your being.

May you learn to radiate the love of Jesus to your child, and to be an example of the hands and feet of Jesus as you trust that God does not make mistakes.

May He who placed you with your family members lavish you with joy on the journey of parenthood, today and always.

What truth grounds your parenting and reminds you to stay strong on your path?