My children are the world to me. I could not ask for three greater blessings in my life. They bring me joy most days, heartache other days, and God continually uses them to sanctify me and make me more like His Son.

I remember the early newborn days when my exhaustion got the best of me. If I had to take a poll on the advice I received, rest when the baby rests was top on the list! Now I know why. You can’t be a good mommy (or a civil human being) when you are low on sleep. Young children are naturally needy creatures. They demand our attention and care.  But where would I fit in time and attention for my husband? Changing diapers, feeding mouths, wiping noses, mending boo boos, and refereeing arguments was certainly a full time job!  After dinner, all I wanted to do was go to bed early and not be touched by anyone. These were some of my biggest challenges as a wife and mother during my early years of motherhood.  How do I find time for myself, my kids, and my husband?

Here are just some of the things I’ve learned (mostly the hard way) over the past nine years of being a young mommy.

Challenge 1: Being Supermom

Oh man, are you kidding me with all the advice?  I mean, there is so so much good advice, don’t get me wrong, but then there’s that uninvited advice.  The pressure we put on ourselves to be supermom is downright exhausting sometimes.  I’ve learned to just chill, realize that I can’t be everything to all people, and most of all, I can’t be supermom!  All we can do is our very best with what we’ve been given each day!

Challenge 2: Making Time For Me

A lot of people think that once you are married and have kids, that making time for ourselves is selfish.  I’ve learned that this couldn’t be further from the truth.  It’s a struggle to make time for ourselves once we get married, and especially when we have those beautiful, tiny human beings!  They are so needy, aren’t they?  What I’ve come to realize is that making time for me makes me a happy mommy!  Find some simple things that you love to do, and etch them into your day or week!  It’s not selfish, it’s actually smart management.  You are the manager of your home, and you need some time to flourish as a creative human being.  Your kids need to see their Mommy smiling!

Challenge 3: Who Comes First, The Kids Or My Husband?

I laugh every time I see that commercial where it shows the parents before kids, adding one kid, and then two kids… “let’s do this”… and then they fall asleep and take a power nap by the second kid!  Do you know the one I’m talking about?  Parenting is physically and emotionally exhausting most days.  But I have to remember that my husband came first, and should still come first!  A happy and thriving marriage is so good for our children to see!  It’s good for the entire family structure!  For me, it’s thinking about him throughout the day.  If I anticipate seeing him, prepare for him mentally and physically, this goes a lot way!

This is a great little book that sits on my coffee table!  It’s full of great advice from all different types of couples.  They share their own keys to their success!  101 Secrets to a Happy Marriage: Real Couples Share Keys to Their Success

Read about it here:

It’s no secret that having a happy marriage doesn’t happen all by itself. But there are secrets that help make marriage the best it can be. Whether a newlywed or married for years, maintaining open communication takes thought, effort, and prayer!

Sometimes I like to take a peek inside the cover to see if I’m going to enjoy it. You can order it here:

Challenge 4: Keeping Christ First

Oh the things we will say and do if we are not walking in the Spirit!  We are on dangerous ground when we don’t keep Christ first and foremost in our minds and hearts!  If we aren’t hearing from Him through His Word and in intimate communion with Him, our marriages and our parenting will be affected negatively.  It seems so cliche to say, “keep Christ first”, but it’s so very important!

 

Challenge 5: Comparing My Family To Another Family

Each family is so different from the next.  With social media in our face each and every day, we could easily be tempted to covet what another family does or how they live.  Remember, God gave you YOUR husband and YOUR kids for a reason.  He put you all together and made YOUR FAMILY.  It’s okay to eat different things, train our kids a bit different, and function in our own unique way.  Don’t be tempted to compare your family to another family, just thrive within your own home and give God the glory.

Remember, in your daily living, that our lives are to reflect Christ first and foremost. He desires to be your ultimate strength, comfort and joy! You weren’t meant to walk this road alone. You have His Spirit to guide you to the truth found in His Word. We have the answers to the little and big things we face, and He wants you to go to Him for it all (big or small).

I’d love for you to check out some great resources over at Tommy Nelson!  Christian literature is such a gift.  Also, check out some wonderful freebies!