...when dealing with other kid's parents.And honestly? I think this aspect of parenting is one of the hardest parts. Having to deal, not with the undisciplined child, but with the indignant parent.
Today was one of those days where I wasn't sure if I wanted to have pity for the other parent ...or react in anger right back at her. Thankfully, today I was able to keep relatively calm while calling the other mom on her attitude concerning me and one of my daughters.
But admittedly, it was not easy. Trust me, I wanted to set her straight. Simultaneously, leaving no doubt in her mind where I stood as far as her take on reality....
When it comes to my children, I am a mama bear. You don't mess with my kids. But what do you do when you're dealing with another mama bear? If you both just attack, there is no healing. or understanding. or common ground found. You know?
By God's grace and a rather large bridle on my tongue, I think today gave opportunity for healing. But only after three different conversations. One in person. And after tracking down her number, two by phone.
But would I be so calm and empathetic if it all happened next week? Honestly, I don't think I would. But as the "seventy times seven" phrase echoes in my head, I can say that I want to be; well, on some itty bitty level anyway. (just being honest here)
I mean, I want to try to love another better than myself. You know, like scripture talks about. But what about when it has little to do with me and more to do with my child? I'm thinking my love for that other person drops dramatically.
But still. I want to love them. Regardless. Round and round my thoughts go... *groan*
God, give me wisdom as a parent. To interact effectively with other parents. To always protect my girls while somehow respecting the other parent and child.
Because without you (*and your spiritual armor), I Will Not be able to walk in that.
8 comments:
"The weapons of our warfare are not carnal..." You ARE dressed like that - it's just a battle of the spirit not of the flesh.
Praying for you as you work through the 'issues of the heart'. God always gives us grace to model the heart of Jesus. Grace to you, friend!
I agree. It is hard. And I haven't always made the right decision. Makes me wonder what God thinks when we dis- others to Him?
THEY are His beloved child too.
3 conversations??? I don't know if I could of been "loving" that many times
Ya done good, Mama Bear. ;-) I'm impressed by your restraint & yet boldness to speak the truth.
I remember the first time I drove the car by myself with my first tiny baby in his carseat. Another driver did something stupid causing a moment of danger for us and although I was able to avoid a wreck, the anger that arose in me was shocking. I had never experienced such an intense protective instinct. I wanted to chase down the other car & give them a good talkin' to (maybe with my foot) for risking the life of my new baby. Couldn't they tell that I was a new mommy transporting a precious life in our 4 door Volvo???? How dare they have a moment of absent-mindedness in our direction!!! :-)
Of course, that scenario has repeated itself in many varying forms in the 13 years since. And I don't think I've yet perfected when to speak up & when to pray & walk away. Maybe by the time I'm a great-grandmother, I'll have it figured out. ;-)
I've so been there. It is often so much easier to see what the people around us are doing wrong, but they can't see it themselves because they are SO close to it. I have often told my friends that if they see me doing something blatently wrong in my parenting, PLEASE tell me. So far no takers. I'm not sure if I'm doing OK, or if they too are afraid of the "Momma Bear symndrome" ~K
Just wanted to say I'm proud of you for your persistence in resolving the situation. Many people would have turned the other way after one attempt to talk about it, but you definitely went the extra mile. Good for you!
Anything dealing with our "babies" can be so touchy! Kudos to you for trying to resolve this situation in a Godly manner.
I just have to say that I wasn't saying all of this to get "applause" for how impressive I am as a parent. Trust me, I'm not. It was only by the grace of God that I didn't "bite" back.
and as for the three "talks", I just had to get to a point with this person where I felt like I wouldn't seethe or throw up everytime I saw her. And we do happen to see each other "occasionally". AND where I felt like my little girl wasn't being unfairly judged.
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