Fight for your child and Win Back Your Prodigal! The battle belongs to the Lord. Today, Laine Lawson Craft joins me for an honest conversation about parenting a prodigal.
There’s a unique kind of heartbreak that comes when a child you love deeply walks away — from faith, from family, from everything they once held dear. As a parent, you feel the weight of their choices, the sleepless nights filled with worry, and the quiet prayers whispered through tears.
God sees your child, even in the darkness. He loves them even more than you do, and He is always working, even when you can’t see it. The road back may be long and messy, but restoration is possible. The same God who welcomed the prodigal son home with open arms is ready to do the same for your child — and He will give you the strength and wisdom to walk this path with faith and hope.
“We can take back what the enemy has stolen, but we must know the strategies to activate our victory.” Laine Lawson Craft
Acknowledge the Reality of Your Prodigal
Facing the truth about your child’s struggles is one of the hardest steps a parent can take — but it’s also the first step toward healing.
Admit the problem without denial or minimizing.
Understand that addiction and rebellion are complex and often stem from deep pain or unmet needs.
Recognize that this is a spiritual battle as much as a physical or emotional one (Ephesians 6:12).
Once you face the reality of the situation, you can begin to address it with wisdom and faith.
Respond to Your Prodigal with Love
When a child is caught in darkness, love — not judgment — is the bridge that can lead them home.
Resist the urge to lecture, criticize, or shame.
Model the love of Christ — unconditional and patient (Romans 5:8).
Let your child know you love them without enabling destructive behavior.
Responding with grace doesn’t mean you approve of their choices — it means you’re showing them the heart of God.
Engage in Spiritual Warfare Through Prayer
Prayer is not just a comfort; it’s a weapon in the spiritual battle for your child’s heart.
Pray specific, bold prayers for protection, healing, and deliverance (James 5:16).
Use Scripture as a weapon — declare promises of restoration and freedom (Isaiah 49:25, Jeremiah 31:16–17).
Ask others to join you in prayer and fasting.
Prayer realigns your heart with God’s will and invites His power into your child’s life. While prayer is powerful, prodigals need you st set healthy boundaries.
Set Healthy Boundaries
Love without boundaries leads to chaos — boundaries are an act of love, not rejection.
Love does not mean allowing destructive behavior.
Establish clear expectations and consequences (Galatians 6:7–8).
Be firm yet compassionate when enforcing boundaries.
Setting boundaries may feel hard, but it gives your child the structure they need to heal. Sometimes, you need to seek outside help.
Seek Professional and Spiritual Help
You don’t have to walk this road alone — God places people in your path to help you.
Encourage counseling or addiction recovery programs rooted in faith.
Find a Christian mentor or spiritual advisor for both you and your child.
Connect with other parents who have walked this path — community matters (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10).
Seeking help is not weakness; it’s wisdom and strength.
Fight the Enemy, Not Your Child
Addiction and rebellion may look like your child’s battle, but the real enemy is spiritual.
Understand that addiction is not just a moral failure but a spiritual stronghold (2 Corinthians 10:4).
Speak truth over your child — declare that they are not defined by their addiction but by their identity in Christ.
Recognize that the enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy — but God promises abundant life (John 10:10).
You can fight effectively and purposefully when you see the true enemy.
Leave Room for God to Work
Letting go is one of the hardest things a parent can do — but sometimes, it’s the only way for healing to begin.
Surrender control and trust God’s timing.
Allow your child to feel the consequences of their choices without rushing to rescue them (Luke 15:17).
Keep the door open for reconciliation, but let them come to the Father on their terms.
When you stop trying to control the outcome, you allow God to work miracles.
Conclusion: The Battle for Your Child is Spiritual
No matter how difficult things seem, the child we know and love is still alive on the inside. God is not finished writing your child’s story.
Remember that you are not alone, and this is not the end of their story.
Bio, Related Shows, and Links
Laine Lawson Craft, dynamic speaker and host of the top-ranked podcast Warfare Parenting, is the best-selling author of several books, including Spiritual Warfare and The Parent’s Battle Plan. She has been married for over thirty-seven years, Laine lives in Florida. As a mother and grandmother.
She has been featured on major media outlets, including FOX News, The 700 Club, CBN, CTN, TCT, and various radio programs and podcasts.
If you or your child struggles to stay motivated as the school year winds down, you’re not alone. As the finish line approaches, it’s easy to feel drained, distracted, and ready to check out completely.
Senioritis survival is a real challenge, and it doesn’t just affect high school seniors—it can impact middle schoolers, college students, and even parents trying to keep their kids on track.
The good news? Senioritis doesn’t have to squelch the excitement of finishing the school year. With the right mindset and a few simple strategies, you or your child can regain focus, stay engaged, and finish the year with confidence. Let’s start with the most critical step—resetting your mindset.
However, how you finish matters—not just for grades but for building confidence, discipline, and a strong work ethic that will carry into the next season of life. The good news? You don’t have to let senioritis win. With the right mindset and a few practical strategies, you can stay engaged, push through the final stretch, and end the year feeling accomplished.
Reset Your Senioritis Survival Mindset
How we think about a challenge changes how we handle it. If your child (or you!) is stuck in the “I don’t care anymore” mindset, it’s time for a reset. Remind them why finishing strong matters—not just for grades but for their own confidence, pride, and future opportunities.
Clearly and carefully discuss how a simple shift in thinking can change perspective.
Talk about what’s ahead. Whether it’s earning a scholarship, getting into college, or simply ending the year with no regrets, keeping the big picture in focus helps.
Break the workload into bite-sized pieces. Big assignments feel overwhelming, but small steps feel doable.
Encourage perseverance. Kids have been learning about hard work and determination their whole lives—now’s the time to use those skills!
💡 Once their mindset shifts, staying motivated becomes easier. But we also need to make studying more engaging…
Make Studying More Engaging
Let’s be honest—staring at a textbook for hours is not motivating. But with some creativity, studying can feel less like a chore and more like a challenge.
Switch up the location. Studying in a different room, a coffee shop, or even outside can bring a fresh perspective.
Turn assignments into a game. Turn on a timer and “race the clock” to complete tasks.
Use creative study tools. Flashcards, voice-to-text notes, or studying with a friend can make learning more interactive and fun.
💡 Keeping things fresh helps, but staying organized and avoiding procrastination is just as important…
Stay Organized & Avoid Procrastination
When everything feels overwhelming, it’s easy to avoid it altogether. But staying organized relieves that stress and gives kids a sense of control.
Here are three ways parents, teachers, and advisors can help their high schoolers or college students:
Make a simple priority list. Writing things down helps students see what really needs to get done.
Tackle the hardest task first. Waiting until the last minute could mean losing an opportunity—so get it out of the way!
Use time blocks. Working for 30-45 minutes, then taking a short break, helps keep focus sharp.
💡 Getting organized is key, but accountability and encouragement can make all the difference…
Stay Accountable & Reward Progress
No one likes to feel like they’re in this alone. A little encouragement and support can go a long way in keeping students on track. Instead of arguing and nagging, try these practical ways to help your child stay motivated and celebrate wins:
Check-in with teachers or advisors. A quick conversation can provide clarity on what’s needed to finish strong.
Set up daily or weekly check-ins. Whether it’s a parent, a friend, or a mentor, having someone ask, “How’s it going?” makes a big impact.
Celebrate small wins. A finished project? That deserves a treat. A tough test completed? A little reward is in order!
💡 Finishing strong isn’t about being perfect—it’s about doing your best and ending the year with no regrets.
Final Thoughts: The Effort is Worth It
In summary, surviving senioritis might make the last weeks of school feel endless, but you can push through. By shifting your mindset, making studying more engaging, staying organized, and leaning on accountability, you can finish the year feeling proud, strong, and ready for what’s next.
Do you ever feel frustrated when your teen makes a choice you know they know better than to make, and you find yourself reacting out of that frustration? Disciplining Teens Without Damaging the Relationship between you and your teen starts with
Parenting can be teens is tough sometimes. One moment they’re your sweet, talkative child, and the next, they roll their eyes and shut their bedroom door. How do you discipline them without creating resentment or damaging your bond when they break the rules or push boundaries?
Many parents worry that setting consequences will make their teen pull away even more. But here’s the truth: discipline, when done right, strengthens your relationship rather than weakens it. The goal isn’t punishment—it’s guidance.
When disciplining a teenager, parents must consider the overall health of their relationship with their child. Effective discipline is built on a foundation of open communication, trust, and unconditional love. To guide teens toward responsible behavior, discipline should be a collaborative process—one that includes clear communication and thoughtful negotiation. When teens feel heard and respected, they are more likely to respond positively to guidance and accountability.
Disciplining teens without damaging the relationship is possible when we are intentional in our parenting approach.
You Aren’t Alone in thie Challenge
I don’t know about you, but it comforted me knowing I wasn’t the only mom struggling. As caring parents, we want relationships with our kids when they are adults. We have to remember.
Many parents worry that setting consequences will make their teen pull away even more. But here’s the truth: when done right, discipline strengthens your relationship rather than weakens it. The goal isn’t punishment—it’s guidance.
Will we get it right every time? NO. Will we learn and try a different approach? That’s the goal.
Why Harsh Punishment Backfires
It’s tempting to react with frustration: “That’s it! No phone for a week!” However, research from the Child Mind Institute suggests that harsh or unrelated punishments can increase resentment, secrecy, and defiance. That is the opposite of what we want to happen.
Three ways to practice this:
Teens crave independence. Overly strict consequences can make them feel controlled rather than understood.
It leads to power struggles. If your teen feels the punishment is unfair, they’re more likely to argue than to reflect.
It shifts focus away from the lesson. Instead of thinking about their actions, they think about how “mean” you are.
Harsh punishments may seem like a quick fix, but they often do more harm than good, creating barriers instead of building trust. Rather than focusing on control, the goal should be to guide your teen toward responsible decision-making in a way that fosters respect and understanding.
So, what’s a better approach? Let’s explore discipline strategies that actually work—ones that encourage accountability while strengthening your relationship.
What Works Instead
Discipline should be about teaching, not punishing. Instead of reacting in frustration, parents can use effective strategies that help teens learn from their mistakes while preserving trust and connection. Here’s how to implement discipline that actually works.
Here are some effective strategies.
Use Natural and Logical Consequences
Discipline is most effective when consequences are directly related to the misbehavior. Teens need to see the connection between their choices and the outcomes, just like in the real world. Instead of doling out random punishments, help them understand the cause-and-effect relationship.
Ask yourself:
Missed curfew? The next curfew is earlier.
Didn’t do homework? No social outings until it’s completed.
Misused technology? Short-term limits with a conversation about responsibility.
This approach shifts discipline from punishment to learning, teaching accountability rather than simply imposing control.
Logical consequences feel fair and instructive rather than controlling, encouraging teens to make better choices in the future.
Set Clear Expectations Before Problems Arise
Many conflicts between parents and teens stem from unspoken or unclear expectations. If your teen doesn’t know the rules—or only hears about them when they’re broken—it’s easy for them to feel blindsided and frustrated.
Instead of making up punishments now, establish house rules in advance. Sit down as a family to discuss expectations around curfews, screen time, schoolwork, and respect. When teens feel like they have a voice in the rules, they are more likely to follow them.
Clear expectations set the foundation for a healthy parent-teen dynamic, but communication plays an even bigger role when issues arise.
But what happens when rules are broken? That’s where communication, not just punishment, plays a key role.
Prioritize Open Communication Over Control in Disciplining Teens
Discipline should be a two-way conversation, not just a top-down decision. If teens don’t understand why a rule exists, they’re less likely to respect it. Instead of focusing solely on punishment, use discipline as an opportunity to connect and teach.
Ask: “Why do you think this happened?”
Explain: “I set this rule because…”
Listen: Even if you disagree, hearing their side builds trust.
When teens feel heard and understood, they are far more open to correction and change.
But discipline isn’t just about correcting misbehavior—it’s also about recognizing when they’re doing well. Let’s explore why reinforcing good behavior is just as important.
Reinforce the Good, Not Just the Bad
Too often, discipline focuses on what teens do wrong rather than what they do right. While consequences are important, positive reinforcement is just as powerful. When teens are recognized for their good choices, they are more likely to repeat them.
Instead of only reacting to rule-breaking, try rewarding responsibility:
If they follow curfew all week, let them negotiate a later time for the weekend.
If they’re respectful, acknowledge it: “I noticed how you handled that—thank you.”
When teens feel appreciated and valued, they become more motivated to behave responsibly—without needing constant discipline.
Finally, the most powerful way to guide your disciplining teens is by setting an example yourself. Let’s explore how modeling behavior plays a crucial role in discipline.
Model the Behavior You Want to See
Teens learn more from what we do than from what we say. If we want them to handle frustration calmly, we need to demonstrate self-control. If we want them to be respectful, we must show them respect—even when correcting their behavior.
Before reacting, ask yourself: “Am I modeling the behavior I want my teen to develop?”
When teens see patience, accountability, and respect in action, they are much more likely to adopt those qualities themselves.
Fianl Takeaway in Disciplining Teens
Discipline isn’t about punishment—it’s about teaching life skills. When consequences are fair, relevant, and focused on growth, teens learn responsibility while keeping a strong, trusting relationship with their parents.
Remember: You’re not raising a child. You’re raising an adult. Every challenge is an opportunity to teach, guide, and connect. Our goal is to discipline teens without damaging the relationship. Give yourself grace when you mess up. Ask your teen for forgiveness and commit to parent differently next time. Raising teens happens takes years. You’ve got this!
Giving your child privacy and space as children grow is a natural part of their development. It helps them build self-confidence, responsibility, and decision-making skills. While it is a normal part of growing up, most parents get uncomfortable and aren’t sure how to provide safety while staying connected. That’s what we will look at in this blog.
Finding the right balance between hovering and honoring their privacy needs can be tricky. If we give them too much freedom, our precious kids can be put at risk, while hovering can lead to rebellion, secrecy, and strained relationships.
Balancing privacy with safety is about trust, not control. When teens feel respected and heard, they are more likely to share their lives with their parents willingly.
Parents can build a relationship where teens feel safe seeking guidance without fear of invasion by fostering a mutual understanding of privacy. So, how do we walk this season of parenting well?
Privacy isn’t just about personal space or privacy—it’s much more than that. Our children learn valuable skills like time management, problem-solving, and accountability.
You may find that not all of your children desire privacy. They want to be with people all the time. That’s okay. It really comes down to their temperament, personality, and learning style.
Giving teens space allows them to:
Make independent decisions
Develop self-confidence
Think through cause-and-effect situations
Build emotional resilience
Instead of treating privacy as an “all-or-nothing” issue, parents should adjust boundaries based on maturity, behavior, and trust levels.
How to Balance Privacy and Space
On the other hand, not every struggle means your parenting style is fundamentally flawed. Sometimes, it’s about adjusting things to fit your child’s unique needs or the changing dynamics of your family.
Three ways to practice this:
Knock on the door before entering. It shows respect.
Encourage journaling, prayer, or meditation – (Don’t read it) 🙂
Give them enough time to dream, think about their thoughts, and solve their problems.
You can add to these simple steps to make it work for your family.
Practical Steps to Giving Privacy and Space
Remembering your goal is to help your child grow and mature. These practical steps will act as a springboard to help you navigate this season of honoring your child’s needs.
Mutual Aggrement
Getting your child to agree with the terms you set up is critical to their following your instructions.
Ask yourself:
Is this a need or a want? Both are okay, but knowing the difference is worth knowing.
Does it bring peace and trust to our home or create unnecessary tension?
Sometimes, the hardest part is admitting that something isn’t working and being willing to change.
Sometimes, the hardest part is acknowledging something isn’t working and being willing to change.
Teaching Responsiblity
Talk to your child (in an age-appropriate way) about what is expected. Their perspective can reveal blind spots you hadn’t considered.
Also, seek counsel from trusted mentors, friends, or parenting resources to gain fresh ideas.
Explain how everything posted online lives online forever and can impact future opportunities.
Help them learn to adjust privacy settings to keep personal information safe.
Talk about bullying- online or in-person, and peer pressure.
As your child branches out, there will be times when you have to limit your child’s privacy and freedom.
When Privacy Should Be Limited
While we want to give our child freedom and honor their need for space and privacy, there might come a time when you need to step in to keep them safe.
Extreme mood changes or withdrawal (possible depression, anxiety, or self-harm)
Drastic drop in grades or loss of motivation
Signs of online bullying, inappropriate relationships, or dangerous online behavior
Secretiveness around substances or risky activities
If you see any changes in your child’s behavior, don’t ignore it. Pray, talk to your spouse or someone you trust, and then approach your child with concern, not accusation.
Be slow to react and quick to listen. Let them know you are there to help, not control.
Final Takeaway
Privacy should be earned through trust and given in appropriate stages based on the teen’s responsibility and maturity level.
Whether you’re parenting a tween needing some space or a teen asking for more privacy, you can use practical, grace-filled tips to guide your child while keeping your relationship strong.
Have you ever found yourself hesitating to ask for something as simple as five minutes to drink your coffee while it’s still hot—or even a shower without someone knocking on the door? If you have, you’re not alone. Moms everywhere seek permission, often from their spouses or even themselves, to care for their most basic needs. Why is that? Why do we feel guilty for wanting a moment to breathe? In this episode, we’re diving into the heart of this growing trend—why moms feel the need to ask for self-care, how societal pressures and “mom guilt” play a role, and what we can do to break free. Spoiler: taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s survival. Let’s unpack this together.
Why do we carry this guilt like an extra piece of luggage on an already overloaded trip called motherhood? Let’s talk about it—because you deserve care too, and spoiler alert: the world will not fall apart if you take a break. (Though it might feel like it sometimes!)
The Universal Struggles of Motherhood
Motherhood is a beautiful, transformative journey, but let’s be honest—it’s also one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. Whether you’re cradling a newborn, chasing a toddler, or navigating the complex emotions of raising a teenager, the mental load of motherhood is relentless.
It’s not just about keeping up with the day-to-day tasks like feeding, cleaning, work, or scheduling activities—it’s about carrying the weight of your family’s needs, emotions, and futures. And the truth is, society has set us up to believe we need to be “everything for everyone.”
Endless Mental Load
As moms, we’re not just managing logistics; we’re juggling expectations. We’re the ones remembering doctors’ appointments, planning meals, keeping track of school schedules, and anticipating the needs of everyone in the family before they even ask. And no matter how much we do, there’s always that nagging feeling that it’s not enough.
Society has reinforced the idea that “good moms” are selfless, constantly giving, and always on top of everything. It’s no wonder so many of us struggle with guilt when we even think about taking a moment for ourselves.
Mom Guilt at Every Stage
Motherhood may look different depending on the season you’re in, but the feelings of guilt and pressure remain the same.
Signs that your parenting approach might be broken:
New Moms: If you’re a new mom, you’re probably navigating sleepless nights, feeding schedules, and figuring out how to keep this tiny human alive. The world tells you that your baby should come first in every way, which makes it easy to feel guilty for even wanting a hot shower or five minutes of peace.
Moms of Multiples: The struggle multiplies if you’re raising more than one child. You’re not just managing individual needs; you’re also playing referee, peacemaker, and multitasking expert. And let’s be honest—trying to give equal attention to all your kids while keeping the household running feels impossible. The guilt of “not doing enough” for each child can be overwhelming.
Moms of Older Kids: If your kids are older, the challenges shift, but don’t disappear. You’re helping with homework, driving them to activities, and supporting them emotionally as they navigate friendships, school pressures, and big life decisions. And even though they’re more independent, you may find yourself asking, “Am I doing too much or not enough?”
No matter the stage of motherhood, there’s always that pressure to measure up—to be the mom who’s got it all figured out, who never misses a beat, and who always puts her family first.
The Pressure to Be “Everything for Everyone”
This pressure isn’t something we consciously choose; it’s something we absorb from the world around us. From social media to family expectations, there’s this unspoken rule that moms should have it all together.
We see other moms posting their picture-perfect moments online and wonder why we can’t seem to manage the same. We hear well-meaning advice from others and feel like we’re falling short because we’re not doing things “their way.”
But here’s the thing—motherhood is hard for all of us. Behind every polished Instagram photo is a mom who has her own struggles, her own doubts, and her own moments of exhaustion.
You Are Not Alone
The struggles you’re facing are universal, and so are the feelings of guilt. Whether you’re up at 2 a.m. with a crying baby or worrying about your teenager’s choices, you’re doing the best you can in a role that demands so much.
You don’t have to be everything for everyone. The most important thing is that you’re there, showing up for your family in your own way. And while it’s easy to focus on all the things you haven’t done, I want to remind you of this: you’re already doing so much.
Motherhood is challenging at every stage, but you don’t have to carry the weight alone. It’s okay to take a step back, to breathe, and to give yourself the grace you so freely give to others. ❤️
The Need for Permission—Why It Happens
If you’ve ever felt guilty for taking time for yourself, you’re not alone—I’ve been there too. It’s not your fault. Our world has long told moms that we’re supposed to be everything to everyone, all the time. These societal expectations paint mothers as having to be“selfless” caregivers, implying that any act of self-care takes something away from our families. That idea? It’s exhausting—and it’s wrong. Yes, we are all those things, but God tells us to work for six days and then rest.
How Societal Norms Shape Us
From the moment we become moms, there’s an unspoken pressure to sacrifice our own needs for the sake of our families. Think about the phrases we often hear:
“A good mom puts her children first. “Mothers are the glue that holds everything together.”
While there’s truth in the importance of a mother’s role, these messages leave little room for our humanity. They suggest that caring for yourself somehow means you’re failing as a mom.
How This Affects New Moms
For new moms, these societal expectations are magnified. You’re adjusting to a completely new life—trying to figure out how to keep this tiny human alive while navigating your own exhaustion and emotions.
And yet, the fear of being judged can feel overwhelming:
“What if people think I’m lazy for asking my partner to take over so I can nap?”
“Am I a bad mom if I need a break from my baby for just five minutes?”
The fear of being labeled as selfish keeps many new moms from even voicing their needs, let alone meeting them. This is where guilt starts to creep in, making you feel like you’re doing something wrong simply by wanting time for yourself.
How This Affects Seasoned Moms
The struggle doesn’t stop as your kids grow. For seasoned moms, it often looks like this: you’ve spent years being the go-to person for everything—meals, homework help, emotional support—and now it feels impossible to step back.
“If I don’t do it, who will?”
“My family is used to me taking care of everything. How do I let that go?”
Even when your kids are older and capable of doing more on their own, it can be hard to shift out of the mindset that your value as a mom is tied to how much you do for everyone else.
The Role of a Spouse, Family Member and Internailzed Guilt
Sometimes, it’s not just society, it’s the people closest to us. Partners or family members might unintentionally reinforce these expectations by assuming we’ll handle it all.
A partner might say, “You’re so much better at calming the baby,” which leaves you feeling like taking a break isn’t an option.
Family members might comment, “Your kids are lucky to have such a hands-on mom,” which sounds like praise but adds pressure to keep doing everything.
And then there’s the voice in your own head—the one that says:
“I shouldn’t need help.”
“Other moms seem to manage just fine. Why can’t I?”
This internalized guilt can be the hardest to overcome because it convinces you that asking for self-care is a weakness rather than a strength. Your spouse or other family members can’t read your mind. They don’t know how you’re feeling unless you tell them.
Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and ask for help! They love you and want you to be your best.
You’re Not Alone
Here’s the truth: needing time for yourself doesn’t mean you’re failing as a mom. It means you’re human. The idea that mothers have to be selfless 24/7 is a myth, and it’s okay to reject it.
Whether you’re a new mom afraid of judgment or a seasoned mom struggling to let go, know this: you’re not alone. Every mom, at every stage, has wrestled with these feelings. And it’s not your fault.
What would happen if we started giving ourselves the same grace and care we show our children? What if we stopped asking for permission to rest and simply claimed it as our right?
You don’t have to do it all, and you don’t have to do it alone. Let’s break free from the guilt together—one step at a time. ❤️
The Cost of Ignoring Self-Care
Motherhood is a beautiful, rewarding journey, but can also be exhausting. Whether you’re a new mom navigating sleepless nights or a seasoned mom juggling the demands of older children, the temptation to put everyone else first is strong. But ignoring self-care doesn’t just take a toll on you—it can impact your family, too. Let’s explore why prioritizing yourself is essential for your health, happiness, and the well-being of your loved ones.
The Mental and Physical Toll of Neglecting Self-Care
New motherhood often feels like a whirlwind of joy, exhaustion, and endless to-dos. For many new moms, the pressure to meet every need of their baby—and everyone else—leaves little room to care for themselves. But Mom can’t pour from an empty pitcher. We must not neglect to get some time to refresh our souls. So, what happens if we overlook self-care?
Increased Risk of Postpartum Depression and Anxiety: Without moments to recharge, new moms are more likely to experience mental health struggles such as postpartum depression and anxiety. Studies show that the lack of rest, isolation, and self-neglect can exacerbate these feelings.
Physical Depletion: Exhaustion from sleepless nights, skipping meals, or ignoring basic hygiene can weaken your immune system and overall health.
Sometimes, the hardest part is acknowledging that something isn’t working and being willing to change. A wise mom takes time to consider why she struggles to ask for help.
Seasoned Moms: Chronic Stress and the Erosion of Identity
Motherhood evolves, but the demands don’t disappear. Seasoned moms, who may have older kids or teens, face a different kind of stress—one rooted in years of self-neglect and growing responsibilities.
Burnout and Fatigue: Chronic stress builds over time, leading to burnout that can manifest as irritability, exhaustion, or even physical symptoms like headaches and body pain.
Loss of Personal Identity: Many seasoned moms feel they’ve lost touch with who they are beyond their role as a parent, leaving them unfulfilled and disconnected from their passions.
How Stress Ripples Through Family Dynamics
When moms neglect self-care, it doesn’t just affect them; it impacts the entire family.
Stress is contagious!
Wrapping It Up: You Deserve Some Self-Care
Motherhood is one of the most profound and selfless journeys you’ll ever take, but it doesn’t mean you have to pour from an empty cup. Let’s be honest—being a mom is hard work. It’s full of beautiful, messy, and deeply meaningful moments, but it’s also exhausting. And if you’re constantly putting yourself last, it’s easy to lose sight of your well-being.
Here’s the truth: self-care isn’t selfish. It’s an act of love for yourself and your family. When you take time to care for your health, mind, and spirit, you’re better equipped to show up for the people you love. You’re teaching your kids that caring for yourself is a strength, not a weakness.
So, let me ask you—what small step can you take today to prioritize yourself? Maybe it’s five quiet minutes with a cup of tea, a short walk, or simply asking for help with something that’s been weighing you down. Whatever it is, know this: you’re worth it, and your family will benefit too.
Remember: you’re doing a great job. You’re not alone, and you’re enough. Take care of yourself—you deserve it. ❤️
Parenting: it’s equal parts heartwarming and hair-pulling, isn’t it? One moment, you’re basking in the glow of your child’s sweet hug, and the next, you’re wondering if you’ve completely lost your touch because nothing—absolutely nothing—seems to work. Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “Is my parenting broken, or does it just need a little tune-up?” If so, you’re not alone. Most parents question their parenting approach.
There is a way to tell the difference and, more importantly, what to do about it. Spoiler alert: it’s not about being perfect; it’s about showing up and growing alongside your child.
How do you determine if the problem is a complete breakdown or merely a case of needing minor adjustments? Let’s start by exploring the signs that your parenting approach might actually be broken.
How to Recognize If Your Parenting Approach Is Working Or Not
Parenting isn’t one-size-fits-all, and what works in one season might not work in another. But when something is truly broken, it becomes clear that continuing the same approach is causing harm or preventing progress.
Signs that your parenting approach might be broken:
Emotional Disconnect: Your child seems distant or unresponsive to your efforts to connect.
Constant Conflict: Every interaction feels like a battle, leaving both you and your child frustrated.
Negative Impact: The current method creates stress, anxiety, or harm for you, your child, or your relationship.
No Progress Despite Effort: You’ve tried different strategies, but nothing seems to improve the situation.
If these signs resonate with you, it may be time to step back and consider letting go of what isn’t working.
When Your Parenting Approach Is Not Broken—Just Not Working Properly
On the other hand, not every struggle means your parenting style is fundamentally flawed. Sometimes, it’s about adjusting to fit your child’s unique needs or the changing dynamics of your family.
Signs it’s just not working correctly:
Partial Success: You see small victories and areas where things could improve.
Changing Needs: Your child’s age, personality, or life circumstances have shifted, and your approach hasn’t kept up.
Feedback from Your Child: They express frustration or disengagement, but there’s still a foundation of trust.
The foundation is still solid in these cases—you just need a new perspective or small tweaks.
Practical Steps to Move Forward with Confidence
Evaluate the Situation with Honesty
Ask yourself:
Is this approach aligned with my goals as a parent?
Does it bring peace and progress to our home, or does it create unnecessary tension?
Sometimes, the hardest part is admitting that something isn’t working and being willing to change.
Sometimes, the hardest part is acknowledging that something isn’t working and being willing to change.
Seek Insights and Wisdom
Talk to your child (in an age-appropriate way) about what’s not working. Their perspective can reveal blind spots you hadn’t considered. Also, seek counsel from trusted mentors, friends, or parenting resources to gain fresh ideas.
Make Small Adjustments Before Letting Go
If it’s not broken, don’t toss it out. Instead, consider small changes:
Simplify Expectations: Are you asking too much of yourself or your child?
Adjust Your Communication: Would a gentler or more direct approach help?
Incorporate Flexibility: Allow room for trial and error as you adjust your methods.
Even small shifts can yield big results over time..
Know When To Let Go
If the situation is clearly broken and causing harm, it’s okay to let go. Release the guilt and remember: letting go doesn’t mean failure—it means making space for something better. You can replace old habits that are no longer effective. I know it takes courage to pivot, sometimes because we are afraid, but don’t let fear dictate your parenting. Pray. Talk to your spouse. Trust the Lord with your child.
Celebrate the courage it takes to pivot, knowing it’s an investment in your child’s future.
