These days more and more kids are growing up as only children. That is not a bad thing. There are always cousins, neighbors and classmates to share adventures with. A friend has a cousin that is as close as any sister could be. Then there are the families who choose not to have any kids of their own. Again, this does not mean that they are childless. The nieces and nephews and children of close friends get their attention and cuddles. However kids come into our lives it is true that they brighten our days with their innocence and joy.
Are there days when we feel inadequate as parents or just plain overwhelmed? Absolutely. There are even moments when we may question our decision to be parents at all. Then they crawl into our lap and ask to read a book or reach up for our hair to caress. That is when it becomes clear that this family of ours is just what it is meant to be. Parents don’t have to be perfect. Kids love them just as they are. Parents don’t have to be able to give their kiddos everything. Let’s face it, kids like the boxes as much as the toys. Heck, we can all live on beans and tortillas or jelly sandwiches. Even pancakes are cheap to make. It is not about what we give them other than when we give them our time. Time spent together is surely the best gift we can give our children.
Ronnie B and I are blessed with eight grandkids and two great-grandkids. We are so proud of all the parents in our family who are there for these sweet kiddos. We support them where we can but ultimately our grands are quite incredible because of the love of their parents. Looking back on our children’s childhoods there were so many missteps Ron and I made along the way. But the kids have grace for us and share how much they enjoyed their childhood. I hope all parents are reassured that their kids are better because of them not in spite of them. So go for a walk, fly a kite, or just sit and blow bubbles on the couch. Your kids are better because you are with them.
In Him,
Joyful
5-9-25
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