If you had a do-over in parenting, would you take it?
Our oldest child is 22 and just got married. Our other children are now adults and teens. (We’ve also been blessed with an 11-month-old “bonus child” that brings so much joy to our lives.)
If I could go back and do it all over again, here are 5 simple things I would tell my younger self as a parent.
1. Go home earlier from work.
Don’t fall for the mistaken mindset that working late is a virtue. It’s not. You’ll look back and wish you’d have better prioritized and protected your evenings with your family. Also, take all the vacation time you’re given and make intentional and lasting memories with your family.
2. Tuck your kids into bed. Every. Single. Night.
Although you don’t know it now, some of your best memories with each of your children are being made during bedtime. From prayer, to tickle time, to solving the big problems in their little world, bedtime is a game-changer. Choose to be more, not less, intentional with this sacred time.
3. You’ll never hug your kids too often or tell them I love you too much.
Even though you’re a hugging family, and you’re not shy about saying I love you, you still probably can (and should) do it more often. Your kids will thrive when your unconditional love is always present and never brought into question.
4. Prioritize quality time and spiritual time with your family.
You’ll never regret regular practices like reading the Bible and praying together as a family. These disciplines are so vital to your calling as a parent to make disciples. And choosing to spend time with each other over giving your time to lesser things is something you’ll always be glad you did.
5. Don’t put unnecessary expectations on yourself.
As a new parent, you’re fighting one of life’s greatest battles. There are so many unrealistic expectations others place on you, and even some self-inflicted ones you place on yourself. Most often you are your own worst critic. Give yourself and your kids the same grace and patience that God gives to you. And find some older parents to support, encourage, and counsel you along the way. Don’t stress the little stuff. Trust God daily. And remember, God has given you everything you need to do everything that matters.
If I could go back 20 years and hit the bullseye on all of these five things, I know I wouldn’t regret it.
If your kids are grown, what is one thing you’d go back and tell your younger self as a parent?
