Remotely Helping Your Aging Parents

 

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The sandwich generation. It's not a term I'd heard of until recently but it seems that turning 50 and most of my friends being in their late 40s and 50s that many of us are starting to realise we are these middle-aged people who find ourselves sandwiched between caring for both our children and our aging parents. 

I grew up with Maggie Thatcher as the Prime Minster and received the message that women could do and have everything before becoming a mother (if they so wished) and thus didn't have my first child until I was 30. Most of my friends waited to have their children until they were in their 30s and maybe even 40s too. Now, here I am on the cusp of 50 with a son who is about to turn 20 and is away at university, but still requiring practical, emotional, and financial support, as well as twin fifteen-year-olds living at home and going through the angst of GCSEs. 

I'm also wondering how I can best support my parents who are in their mid to late 70s and live 80 miles away. I'd love to be able to be there for my parents on a day-to-day basis. When they need a lift to a hospital appointment or they can't do their daily activities as they are unwell, I'd love to pop by and cook a hearty meal, clean the house, or offer the necessary lift, but three children, a trip on the M25 and a demanding job do not lend themselves to that kind of regular help.

So, I'm turning my thoughts to what kind of help I can remotely offer to my parents so they still feel loved and supported but I'm not torn in all kinds of impractical directions. 

1.  Talk to them Regularly

I may not be able to be there in their house each week but I can certainly be a regular presence in their life. A simple phone conversation or maybe FaceTime or a Zoom call could make the world of difference when they are feeling lonely, down, or overwhelmed.  Or, to be honest, they don't need to be feeling any of those things, it is great to talk regularly even when everything is ticking over and going well. That regular time together is the way 

2. Help them get their House Adapted

If you find that mobility is becoming an issue for your parents then it might be time to help them arrange for some home adaptions that allow them to stay in the home they love and to still use it fully. There are lots of great adaptions that can take place relatively easily, like installing handrails, a stairlift, or changing to a walk-in bath/ shower. Or if they have space and it is necessary you can even investigate putting a home lift in for them. Age Co Mobility is a reputable supplier of these kinds of mobility products and with great customer service from Hanicare, you'll be sure that your parents are being looked after. 

3. Orangise their Shopping and Prescriptions

Even if you can't be present yourself you can help with some practicalities like getting the weekly shop ordered and delivered, or liaising with their GP and the local pharmacy to make sure that repeat prescriptions are always put in on time and get delivered to their house.

4. Keep in Contact with their Neighbours

My parent's neighbours are still the same people they were when I was a child and this means I know and trust them. As they are now elderly themselves they can't necessarily do all the practical jobs anymore but they can certainly keep an eye to check they have seen my parents regularly, and then my parents can do the same with them. 

If an emergency occurs it is useful for a neighbour to have a key to the house so they can let any of the emergency services in and also call me to raise the alarm. 

5.  Get in touch with useful Charities

There are plenty of local charities across the country that specialise in helping people into their older years. Whatever help your parents need, you may be able to organise this through a local charity. There will be places that can recommend trusted tradespeople and home helpers, ones that offer befriending services, others that can organise cooked meal delivery and so much more. It is definitely worth doing a Google search and joining the FaceBook group for your parent's town or village to ask for recommendations from local people. 

I hope you can see that even though you might be quite some distance from your parents you can still be a positive presence in their life and help them on an almost daily basis. 

5 Fertility Treatment Options To Explore

 

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Struggling to fall pregnant? Or unable to carry a baby full-term? After a year of trying, you are likely to be eligible for fertility treatment. A doctor will be able to run tests to determine if any specific treatment is needed. There are many different types of fertility treatment to consider. Below are some of the most common forms of fertility treatment. 

Fertility medication

A number of drugs can be prescribed to improve fertility. This includes drugs that can improve male fertility such as gonadotropins or drugs for women such as clomiphene citrate. Some drugs can be taken orally, while others will need to be injected by a professional. 

A doctor will be able to recommend exactly which drugs to take. Fertility medication is often not too expensive and has a relatively high success rate. Just be wary of the side effects of certain medication and the potential complications and consequences that can arise. For example, taking gonadotropins can result in a high chance of having twins if you do conceive. 

IUI

IUI is a procedure that involves taking the best quality sperm from the man and then injecting them directly into the womb. IUI is recommended for men with low sperm quality, as it enables the best quality sperm to be picked out. 

A single cycle of IUI usually costs between £700 and £1600. The success rate of IUI is only  7% to 10%, but it could still be worth trying before moving onto IVF if you think the problem may be due to a male fertility issue. . 

IVF

While IUI still allows the egg to be fertilised inside the body, IVF involves manually combining the egg and sperm in the womb outside of the body. In many cases this can be much more effective than IUI - the success rate for women under 35 is 32%, which means there’s a high chance of being successful in three rounds.

Unfortunately, IVF can be quite expensive. One round of treatment can cost over $5000. There are loans and payment plans available that can help spread out the cost. 

Egg/sperm donation

If you are not producing eggs or your partner’s sperm is low quality, there is the option of looking into egg donation or sperm donation. This involves using a donated egg or donated sperm to try to conceive.

Egg donation has a 80% chance of being effective, while success rates of donor sperm typically range between 60% and 80%. Costs of egg and sperm donation can vary quite a bit depending on whether they are used with IUI or IVF treatment. You can read more here about the egg donation process.

Laparoscopic surgery

Surgery is sometimes recommended for dealing with certain fertility issues like removing fibroids or unblocking a fallopian tube. Laparoscopic surgery (or keyhole surgery) is one form of surgery that can leave minimal scarring.

A doctor will be able to inform you if surgery is a viable solution for you. The success rate of surgery can vary depending on the nature of the procedure. 

Dental Issues To Look Out For In Your Kids

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As a parent, you’re largely responsible for the health of your kids' teeth. Certain dental issues could be important to look out for and treat in order to preserve your child’s teeth into adulthood. Below are just some of the biggest dental issues to look out for in your kids. 

Overcrowding

As kids’ adult teeth come through, they can often come through at odd angles. This can lead to areas of the mouth getting overcrowded. Such overcrowding can make brushing teeth harder, which can then increase the risk of other dental problems.

It could be worth looking into braces for your child to help realign the teeth. Metal braces are commonly recommended for kids with seriously misaligned teeth, however, your child may also be eligible for clear braces. In both cases, a mold of your child’s mouth will need to be taken so that braces can be precisely constructed to fit your child’s mouth. Braces are not cheap, although clear braces are usually more affordable. There are various different price plans that you can look into. 

Tartar build-up

If your child isn’t brushing their teeth properly, it could result in build-ups of plaque forming. These build-ups of plaque are known as tartar - on top of not looking nice, they can lead to decay if not treated.

You cannot remove tartar with a toothbrush in most cases. Instead, you are better off taking your child to a dentist so that a dental hygienist can professionally clean them. Tartar build-up can be avoided by making sure that your kids are brushing their teeth regularly and thoroughly. 

Decay

Many kids experience tooth decay. This is often the result of poor brushing combined with eating too much sugary snacks. That said, some people simply have teeth that are more prone to cavities.

If your child has started experiencing tooth decay, it could be worth getting them to see a dentist as soon as you can. A dentist will be able to clean away the decay and place a filling in the tooth to prevent further decay. If teeth are seriously decayed, they may need to be completely removed and possibly replaced with implants. Children typically do not have to pay for fillings and implants with a NHS dentist.

Toothaches

If your child is complaining that their tooth hurts, it’s worth taking them to a dentist as soon as you can. A toothache is often a sign of an infection - which could spread if not treated.

If caught early enough, most infections can be easily treated with a prescription of antibiotics. However, long-term infections may require other forms of treatment such as root canal treatment or tooth removal. A dentist will be able to numb your child’s teeth so that they do not feel anything if a dental procedure is required.  You should never ignore seeing a dentist, even if your child claims that the pain seems to have gone away (sometimes when a toothache goes away on its own it’s because the nerve has been killed off by the infection - and therefore the infection still needs to be treated). 

The Benefits of Educational Toys for Young Children's Cognitive Development

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As parents, we all want to provide the best possible opportunities for our children to grow and learn. One of the most effective ways to promote a child's cognitive development is by providing them with educational toys. These toys are created to instruct and challenge children amusingly. Giving children educational toys has a lot of advantages, and fortunately, there is a wide range of places to buy them, including toy stores for children.

Developing Important Skills Through Educational Toys

The first benefit of educational toys is that they can help children develop important skills. Many educational toys can aid in developing critical thinking, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving. These skills are essential for success in school and beyond. Parents can help their children get a head start in life by providing them with educational toys that foster the development of these skills.

Such toys demand that children use logic and critical thinking to solve tasks and come to judgments. This kind of play can teach children how to think for themselves, make decisions confidently, and come up with original solutions to challenges.

 

Fostering Creativity and Imagination with Educational Toys

The ability of educational toys to promote imagination and creativity is another advantage. Many educational toys are open-ended, so children can use their imaginations and come up with their own solutions. Children can learn to think creatively through this kind of play, which is a crucial life skill. Role-playing with educational toys, such as play kitchens or doctor kits, allows children to practise social skills such as taking turns and sharing. It can also help them learn to understand different perspectives, another vital component of emotional intelligence.

Learning Important Concepts through Educational Toys

Children can acquire crucial ideas by playing with educational toys in a pleasant and interesting way. For example, toys that teach letters and numbers can help children develop early literacy and numeracy skills.

Moreover, children can benefit from them by getting to appreciate learning and being curious about the world around them. Parents can encourage a lifetime love of learning in their children by giving them entertaining and engaging toys. Children who take an interest in learning are more likely to be self-directed and to achieve academic and professional success.

Children’s Educational Toy Stores: A Valuable Resource for Parents

Child educational toy stores are a great resource for parents looking for high-quality educational toys for their children. These stores frequently provide a large assortment of toys, including toys made for different age groups and ability levels. In addition, they often have knowledgeable staff who can help parents choose the best toys for their children's needs.

Why Educational Toys Are Crucial for Children's Growth

For children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development, educational toys have several advantages:

        1.  Replace screen addiction

Many parents in the modern digital era may worry about how screens and technology will affect their child's development. Due to the hands-on and interactive learning opportunities they offer, educational toys can be a fantastic substitute for screen time. Parents can assist their children in developing critical skills and acquiring new information without simply relying on screens by giving them educational toys.

        2.  Improve bonds

Parents and children can develop strong bonds through the use of educational toys. Together, they can spend valuable time and make lasting memories. Also, it can help parents figure out their children’s strengths and weaknesses so they can improve their education.

        3.  Boost confidence

Educational toys can also positively impact a child's confidence and self-esteem. As children learn and master new skills through play, they gain a sense of accomplishment and pride in their skills. This can help them develop a positive self-image and a growth mindset, which can benefit them throughout their lives.

        4.  Refine communication

As with other skills, children's language and communication skills can benefit from playing with educational toys. Several educational toys encourage storytelling, pretend play, and imaginative play, all of which can aid a child's language growth and communication skills. This is especially crucial for children who might struggle with language development or communication issues.

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        5.  Develop motor skills

Children's educational toys can also aid in developing their fine motor skills, which are necessary for tasks like writing, drawing, using utensils, and other skills. Children should use their hands and fingers to control little things when playing with many educational toys, such as puzzles and building blocks. This can benefit children's dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and precision.

Conclusion

Instructional toys can aid children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Parents can assist their children in the development of critical thinking skills, encourage imagination and creativity, and produce memorable experiences by giving them educational toys. Educational toys are a lifelong investment in the development of a child's love of learning and their innate curiosity about the world.

Choosing The Bra To Give The Support You Need

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If there’s one element of fashion and clothing that we perhaps don’t talk about quite enough, it’s the support and comfort that so many of us rely on from the bra that we wear. A lot of women are wearing the wrong bra, not getting the lift they need, and perhaps may not even be aware of it. As such, here, we’re going to look at a few tips that can help you correct that mistake.

Make sure that you measure, first

It’s been suggested that as many as 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size, a statistic that retailers have used a lot to sell more bras. It’s true that bust sizes can float from one measurement to another based on a range of factors. While you might not really be wearing the ‘wrong size’ and find that it depends on manufacturer and shape, you should be used to measuring before you go out to try bras on so that you can keep it as accurate to your current size as possible.

Pay attention to the band fit, not just the cup

While the cups might feel like they’re doing all the lifting and do keep the breasts in place, it’s the band that actually offers most of the support. After all, they are what keeps the cups fixed to the body. So, when you try on a bra, make sure that you’re testing to see that the band is fitting well enough that it can offer support for a couple of steps even if the straps aren’t fully on.

Try different types of cups

The contour cup is very popular, and the most common type of bra that’s currently sold at the moment. However, certain breasts may not get the support that they need from this shape. Larger cup sizes might do better with the help of a demi-cup bra with additional supportive lace and underwire. There are also super cute bralettes that can offer additional shape-retaining support for those with smaller busts, as well. Try out different bra types and you might be surprised which of them actually offers the best support, and you enjoy wearing the most.

Know the signs of a bad fit

If you’re not certain whether or not your bra is fitting correctly, then you should keep an eye out for the signs that you should switch your sizes up. If the straps are digging into your shoulders, then the cups or straps are too small or tight. The band shouldn’t be loose or suffocating, just snug against your back. Similarly, if the straps are slipping or you’re spilling over the cups, it means that it’s a size too small, at least. Take the time to measure your bra size and try again.

Make sure that you take the time to follow all of the tips above and make sure that your bra is doing the lifting so you don’t have to. There may be other tips for women who are plus-size or small-chested that are worth keeping an eye out for as well.

5 Wedding Planning Tips No One Ever Tells You

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You can spend your whole life planning a perfect wedding and still forget something. Getting married is one of life's biggest milestones; there is so much to prepare and organize that it is easy to let things slip through the net. Here are five wedding planning tips you need to know but no one ever tells you.

Start Off On The Right Foot

Like when you finally begin to walk down the aisle, you need to put your best foot forward and set a steady pace from the start when you begin planning your wedding. It is understandable that the happy couple is eager to get the ball rolling, but you need to pace yourselves. Move too fast and you'll make mistakes, some of which cannot be undone.

One of your first tasks will be an announcement and invitation. It would help if you got your save-the-date wording right so all your invitees know exactly where to be, when, and what they can expect. Take some extra care to get the wording for a save the date and wedding invitations correct and clear.

Greenvelope lets you send invites and track RSVPs online, and add extra important details to your invites. If there is a dress code your guests will need to know, and a rough timetable of events. You can easily add these to an invite through online tools.

Locations, Locations, Locations

Choosing a geographical location for your wedding may be pretty easy. The bride’s hometown is the traditional choice, but you may have a destination in mind already that is special to both of you. Picking the various venues you will need is where things can start to get complicated. Many couples look for a one-stop wedding venue that can provide a suitable space for the service, the wedding breakfast, and photoshoot spots in between.

The more places you have to be at a certain time, the more complex and stressful the day will be. If you are using multiple venues make sure you have reliable transportation organized for the wedding party.

Set a schedule with your photographer and discuss locations for photos along the route. Try to keep the wedding day itinerary as simple as possible. Don't be too optimistic about travel times either. It only takes one delay on the roads to through your whole schedule out of sync.

Make Some Me Time

Whenever you are scheduling big events in your preparation, such as choosing wedding dresses and suits or menu tasting, plan a little relaxation treat for yourselves too. Massages, spa days, weekends away, do some little things along the way to help take the stress out of planning your wedding. Little treats like these will also help you to build up some wonderful memories of your last days as an unmarried couple.

Make plans for some post-wedding relaxation and recuperation too, you will have earned it. If you have a honeymoon planned try to fold in some self-care and self-indulgence into the holiday. Even if it is just a weekend away, plan some spa time or a couples massage.

Let Food Be Your Love Language

The menu of your wedding breakfast, the first meal for newlyweds, is a very important component of the big day. It can be tempting to go for something extravagant and expensive, but this is often a mistake. Choose a menu that is based around the two of you and your shared tastes. Don't show off with decadent dishes and serve the food you love at your wedding. That's what it is all about, after all.

This should go for any evening food or buffet for the night-do. Take the opportunity to serve all of your favourite snacks and nibbles. Giving your late-night treat a theme is a fun idea. Fish and chips if they are your sort of thing, or go for carnival cuisines like doughnuts, candy floss, and ice cream cones.

Remember To Enjoy The Day

On your wedding day this is job number one; enjoy yourselves. If you are too busy coordinating and not celebrating the occasion you will regret it in the years to come. Delegate tasks and responsibilities ahead of time, this is what bridesmaids, groomsmen, and ushers are for. Set the wheels in motion and let everyone do their jobs while you enjoy every moment of your special day.

It is important to remember that if something does go wrong, or timings go awry, or mistakes are made that it is not the end of the world and doesn't ruin your wedding day. The important thing is that the happy couple are together, no matter what happens. Any small hiccups along the way will one day be a funny memory you talk about at your anniversary parties. Don't sweat the small things, and just have fun.

Remember these fabulous five tips when you are planning and preparing for your wedding day and it should be special no matter what happens. The most important thing is to enjoy yourselves and just let the day happen. Stick together and you'll be fine!

The Art of Giving: How a Personalised Birthday Card Can Make a Difference

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When it comes to giving gifts, it's the thought that counts. And there's no better way to show someone that you're thinking of them than by giving them a personalised birthday card. Here are a few reasons why making personalised birthday cards is the perfect gift for anyone:

It shows that you care: A personalised birthday card takes time and effort to create. It shows the recipient that you're willing to put in the work to make their birthday special.

It's unique: A personalised birthday card is one-of-a-kind, as it's tailored specifically to the recipient. This makes it a much more meaningful gift than something mass-produced.

It's customizable: When you make a personalised birthday card, you can tailor it to the recipient's interests and personality. This means you can create a card that's truly special and meaningful to them.

It's budget-friendly: Making a personalised birthday card is often much more affordable than buying a gift. It's a great option for those on a tight budget or for those who want to give a small, thoughtful gesture.

It's a keepsake: A personalised birthday card is something that the recipient can keep and cherish for years to come. It's a physical reminder of your thoughtfulness and a special moment in their life.

It's personal: A personalised birthday card is just that - personal. It's a way to express your feelings and thoughts in a way that a store-bought card simply can't match. Whether you include a heartfelt message, a funny joke, or a memory you share with the recipient, a personalised card allows you to say exactly what you want to say.

It's eco-friendly: By making a personalised birthday card, you're reducing waste and helping the environment. Store-bought cards often come in plastic packaging and are made with non-recyclable materials. A handmade card, on the other hand, can be made with recycled materials and doesn't produce any unnecessary waste.

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It's a chance to be creative: Making a personalised birthday card is a chance to tap into your creative side. Whether you're an artist or just enjoy crafting, creating a card from scratch can be a fun and rewarding experience.

It's a great activity for kids: If you have kids, making a personalised birthday card can be a great activity to do together. It's a chance for kids to express their creativity and learn the value of giving thoughtful gifts.

It's a way to make a lasting impression: A personalised birthday card is a gift that will be remembered. It's something that the recipient can look back on and cherish for years to come. Whether it's a card with a beautiful piece of artwork or a handwritten message, a personalised card is sure to make a lasting impression.

Overall, a personalised birthday card is a thoughtful, budget-friendly, and unique gift that anyone would appreciate. Whether you're an artist or just want to write a heartfelt message, this gift is sure to put a smile on the recipient's face.

On Being Content

Reading my daily bible today I was struck by the day's introductory devotional from Max Lucado.

“Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” John 6:35

It went on to remind us that there are times when the one thing we really want is the one thing we do not get. We pray and we wait and then pray and wait some more. But what if God says no to your request? What if He reminds you that you already have His grace and says that should be enough? Will you be content?

What a pertinent question and actually what does it mean to be content? Max Lucado says “content – A state of heart in which you would be at peace if God gave you nothing more than He already has”

I know contentment is something I have tried hard to work at over the last few years. I’ve very much realised that happiness does not come in the form of things or ‘more’. I recall a post I wrote on my other blog back in 2011 that said –

Do you know what I believe are two of the fundamental keys to happiness? One, is to choose to be happy and the other is to want what you already have! Endless seeking of things, money, status, time or anything else will never fulfil you!

My gut reaction is that I’ve done quite well in regards to being content but actually reading this devotional today has had me pondering this topic more deeply and I’m now left with some questions to answer.

• If I never lost any weight again and I always stayed this fat would I be content?
• If ill-health meant I lost my mobility, hearing or such, would I be content?
• If this was as good as my marriage would ever be, would I be content?
• If I never met that close girl friend that I long for, one I can really talk to and trust, would I be content?
• If my kids retained all their childish annoyances forever, would I be content?
• If we were never to own our own home or car again, would I be content?
• If I remained in voluntary work for the rest of my life, would I be content?
• If there was no money at all in the bank would I be content?

I’m sure there are loads more but these are the first questions that come to mind for me. Your set of questions could be quite different, as it will depend on where your priorities lie.

When everything is going well and there is hope for change in the future then it is easy to say that right here, right now I am content but if nothing changed again ever, would it still be the same?

Something for us to ponder on and pray about I feel.

Have a blessed week, Mich x

(This post first appeared on my (now-retired) faith blog in May 2016)

Moving from Head to Heart

It’s easy to learn God's word and to know His promises but does that mean we really understand them, or that we feel the security that comes with them? Often not. The distance between my head and my heart is probably not even a couple of foot but actually this can sometimes be the longest journey.

But ‘why?’ you might ask and what I’ve been learning is that we put conditions on God’s love for us. Conditions that God has never imposed. His word says that we are enough, that we can’t do anything to increase His love for us, that He approves of us and that He delights in who we are. Notice that not once there does it mention what we do or the characteristics that we display. There is no small print in the Bible, it is all above-board and clearly spelled out. There is no catch that says God loves evangelists more or that God loves those who can recite the bible from memory. It just simply says that He loves us and wants to be in a close and personal relationship with each one if us.

We have to be willing to accept the forgiveness that God extends us. We must believe it when He says that once forgiven He forgets our sins; that there is no list being kept of our indiscretions. We then have to go a step further and we have to forgive ourselves. We can be so hard on ourselves, expecting far more than is necessary. We do not have to be the best, have the greatest earnings or live the most exciting life. Who needs to be the envy of their friends? Not me but who needs to feel (really feel, like with your whole being feel) or experience the love of God? Probably all of us and I know for sure me.

I want to move to a position of experiential love. After having been a committed Christian for fourteen years I probably should already be fully in this place. I should feel that God absolutely loves me but right now my reality is that I know God loves me and that is head knowledge. It is part of my beliefs, it is because of my faith but I’m just working on the acceptance that there are no conditions and being able to just feel in my heart that I am good enough. I am accepted. He loves me. I don’t have to fulfil any particular mandate.

I need to feel free to lie on a bed for a whole day and do nothing but wallow in His love for me. To feel absolutely sure that even lying there in my nothingness I am enough. A couple of weekends ago I attended an Angela Kemm conference, where there was a fire tunnel and within it I was told that I am a cherished daughter of God, He sees my beauty, He knows my loving heart and that all labels have fallen off me. I just have to walk into my rightful place as a beloved daughter of the most high.

And I’m doing it. I’ve not been involved in negative speak this week, I’m busy building myself up and I’ve vowed to myself that when I do not like something in my life I either need to accept it and move on or I need to change it. I can not be negative about it as that will just pull me down. I’m so grateful for the fresh revelation that came last week that I still have a long way to go before I can say I am fully positive about my life and most importantly about my behaviour and attitude toward myself.

So here is to practise and perseverance. I’ll keep putting one foot in front of the other and being positive about all of it. Praying for those who test and infuriate me and taking actions to bless those who need me.

I am walking today as a beloved daughter of the king of all kings and I’m so grateful He loves me.

Thank you Daddy. From your daughter, Mich xx

(This post originally appeared on my faith blog back in 2016, but I have now retired that blog)

Letter to all Mums from God

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Hey Mumma,

I was chatting to God earlier this week and He told me some things I have to share with you. Well, not just only you but all Mums, Moms, Mams, Mamas, Mummas and Mummys.

There are a few things that He wants you to know and He’d really appreciate it if you listen up good, if we all listen up good.  He finds Himself repeating these messages time and time again but thankfully He is a patient father and loves to teach us. He knows it takes us a while to let the deep lessons sink in and that sometimes we need to hear the same thing ten times before it really takes a seat, so do keep coming back to this letter and ultimately to Him.

First up, He wants you to remember that being a parent is hard, this isn’t an easy ride that you are supposed to sail through. There will be challenges for you and for your kids but that’s good as it will result in growth for you both. Lean on God, He is your strength in these times.

Following on from that it is worth remembering that ‘easy and convenient’ probably aren’t the answer to being a good parent. Children need boundaries, responsibilities and consequences that they can count on. Those children who push back and challenge us as they grow are probably tomorrow’s leaders and innovators, so celebrate them.

But don’t feel overwhelmed as everything that God wants your child to be is already in them. It is not our job to make them but just to point and guide them, we need to be there to help them discern good decisions and learn from the bad ones.

Remember though that you are not doing this parenting lark in your own strength. You are raising mini warriors for Christ and He has your back. You don’t have to earn God’s favour by striving, you already have it because it is who you are in Christ that matters most. I love this quote –

It’s not what we do that determines who we are,
it is who we are that determines what we do.

Parenting, it’s a massive responsibility, right? And we want to keep our children innocent and allow them to mature at an appropriate rate, so sometimes we shelter them and don’t let them know about the awful things going on in the world as that would make them sad but guess what? God says that we need to allow our children to see and hear some of the sad things so they grow and develop into compassionate and loving adults. Of course, we must keep things age appropriate and we have to remain available as their back-up and support but sheltered kids with a great life can grow up to be selfish adults and no-one wants that.

He knows you sometimes feel invisible as a mum but be reassured that being there for your kids builds their security. Service to our family is so important, He sees it and He is so pleased, so next time you feel your kids or husband are taking you for granted let it go as God appreciates you. Don’t be tempted to run back to whatever it is that makes you feel visible or gives you a sense of worth, just nestle into the crook of God’s arm and know you are in the right place doing the right thing. Your worth and your security is rooted in God so stop searching beautiful mama.

Read these promises and just know that everything will be all right. You might be feeling truly shattered right now, or unloved, or ugly, or broken or beyond redemption but you’re not. You are a precious daughter of the most high and He wants to speak to you in the way you need to hear and say –

I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. Jeremiah 31:3

• No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39
• And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
• Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22
• Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29
• But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm. Proverbs 1:33

And lastly, He wants to spend time with you and you’re not to feel bad if you can’t find dedicated bible study time or time to attend church. Just snatch those five minutes in the bathroom or as your child is in gym club and He will cherish every one of those short stolen moments and will rejoice in refilling and renewing you.

Thank you for reading friend and bless you for your loving heart and faithful service.

From one Mum to another, be blessed. Mich x