You don’t know what you don’t know.

I think that’s the reason we become parents. Seriously! If we knew how hard it would be, we might take a second thought. But I know why I had children in spite of how difficult it was at times. Because I believed that, in the end, it would all be worth it. The joy would outweigh the sorrow. The reward would be worth the cost. And that is exactly how it has been. I wouldn’t trade having children for anything in the world, but it isn’t easy.

There is no easy stage in child rearing. Some stages are just preferred to others. And to be honest, most days feel like a crapshoot – a risky or uncertain matter. We try to understand our children. You know, what makes them tick, how they will respond, their patterns and personalities. Somedays we get it. And the next day, it is like we have a completely different child. See, a crapshoot!

My advice to new parents: approach life with children gently and with a sense of humor. These little bundles aren’t trying to wreck your life. This too shall pass.

My advice to all parents: they aren’t trying to wreck your life. Love them deeply, stay in their corner, you will get smarter in a few years. This too shall pass.

Jesus loved the children and said we should be like them. I don’t think he meant narcissitic; but rather, pure, innocent, full of joy, eager to learn, willing to take a chance.

Read: Mark 10:13-16

I am certainly not an expert on parenting. I realized that as soon as I had my first child. But I learned a few things along the way and I thought it would be fun to take a wander through my archives of parenting experiences. Who knows what we will encounter! I hope this helps you, my readers, to be gentle with yourselves if you are parents and maybe even provide a laugh or two along the way.