Challenge

This child of ours is really special in so many ways.

Lilly can make me gut laugh.
She's silly.
She's funny.
She's very sharp.
She can probably outrun me.
She's physically gifted.
She is very nurturing.
She's sensitive.

Lilly can also make me want to scream, cry, and run for the hills! She has been a challenge to parent and I often find myself responding to her in a way that I am ashamed of.

I came across this article the other day and while I don't think I've been an awful parent, I know that I can be better.
This article changed me and the way I respond to and view Lilly.

For three days now I have remembered what Dan wrote on his blog and it has given me peace and calm in dealing with my most challenging little sprite.
In return, she has been pleasant, relaxed, happy, and easy to parent...

I know I am not perfect nor do I think I will always remember the words I read and be a calm and happy mom. Life gets in the way sometimes. There will be more timeouts in our future. There will be more frustration. There will be more tears on everyone's part. But for now, I will try to remember that my sweet Lilly has only been on this earth for four years and it is Andy and I who are responsible for modeling love, laughter, appropriate reactions, and patience during frustrating times.

Thank you Dan Pearce for reminding me how very special my kids are.