Some days it feels like everything turns into a battle.You ask one simple thing… and suddenly there’s resistance, attitude, or a full shutdown.And if you’re honest… it makes you question yourself. “Am I being too hard?” “Am I not doing enough?” “What am I missing?”But here’s something most people won’t tell you… For children who have experienced trauma, control often feels like safety. So when they resist… it’s not always about you. And it’s not always defiance. Sometimes it’s their way of trying to feel okay in a moment that feels overwhelming to them.That doesn’t make it easy. But it does change how you see it. And when you see it differently, YOU can respond differently and so can your child.You’re not just correcting your child. You’re helping them feel safe again.And that matters more than getting everything right. So this time, before you correct, connect.
So what if today… Instead of preparing to survive it…
You prepared to lead it?
Not perfectly or flawlessly, but intentionally.
Because you’re not waking up to another day to “get through.”
You’re waking up to a life you’re being called to build.
And tomorrow…
We’re going to talk about why you were never meant to carry that weight alone.
Getting It Done (Real-Life Strategy)
Let’s keep this simple and doable and not overwhelming.
Start with 3 things, not 30! Pick your top 3 priorities for the day: • What must get done? • What would help get done? • What can wait?
Delegate with purpose (even to the little ones) • Older kids: lunches, helping younger siblings, simple chores • Younger kids: picking up toys, carrying items, “helper jobs” You’re not burdening them. You are building them.
Use what you have without shame • Community programs • School resources • Church support • Hand-me-downs Receiving help is not failure. It is wisdom.
Build a rhythm, not perfection Morning routine → After school reset → Evening wind-down Not perfect. Just consistent enough to breathe.
Give yourself grace in the middle of it. Something will go wrong today! That doesn’t mean you are wrong.
Closing Prayer
God, You see the weight she carries before the day even begins. You see the thoughts, the worries, the silent prayers she doesn’t even have words for.
Strengthen her today, not just physically, but emotionally. Remind her that she is not alone, even when it feels like it.
Give her wisdom to lead her home, peace in the chaos, and grace for herself when things don’t go as planned.
Let her feel seen. Let her feel supported. Let her know she is doing better than she thinks.
In Jesus’ name, Amen. #singlemomlife #singlemomstrong #momlifeunfiltered #single #heldtogether
The eye that mocks his father, and scorns obedience to his mother, the ravens of the valley will pick it out, and the young eagles will eat it. Proverbs 30:17
Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and in irons, Because they had rebelled against the words of God and spurned the counsel of the Most High. Therefore He bowed down their hearts with hard labor; they stumbled and fell down, and there was none to help. Psalm 107:10-12
Ouch! Recognizing a spirit of rebellion in your child can be heart wrenching, especially if it isn’t just an occasional thing, but a stronghold. Children have to be taught to honor their parents and others as well.
So who gets this task? You guessed it. We do.
My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother; for they will be graceful ornaments on your head, and chains about your neck. Proverbs 1:8-9
Scripture after scripture, all through the Old Testament and the New, we see children being commanded to honor and obey their parents, the rewards of doing so, and the dire consequences of those who willfully choose another way. Ephesians 6:1-3 tells of a promise made to those who obey and honor – a long life results.
Disobedience may not only bring to them pain and much trial, but also a life cut short. No parent wants this for their child.
What do we do? We model, teach, discipline, and pray.
Stormie Omartian says in her book, The Power of the Praying Parent, “when children do not honor their father or their mother, it is often the first sign that the idol’s in a child’s heart -a child of any age- are pride and selfishness. That’s why children who are not taught to obey their parents become rebellious. They say, “I want what I want, when I want it.”
“Woe to the rebellious children,” says the Lord, “Who take counsel, but not of ME, and who devise plans, but not of MY SPIRIT, that they may add sin to sin.”
Isaiah 30:1 Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft. 1 Samuel 15:23
Our children have to learn that obedience brings them the security they long for and gives confidence, long life and peace.
Teaching children obedience becomes easier when the way is paved by prayer.
A sure way to combat a strong will that exalts itself above its parents and above God is through persistent prayer and time. Ultimately it will remain up to your child to obey the promptings of Holy Spirit.
The consequences of this are far greater than anything you can give. Rebellion has eternal consequences. According to Ephesian 6:12 we don’t battle with flesh and blood and so it is true our battle isn’t against our children. We must remember who we are and the authority given us and speak forth God’s Word over our children’s lives.
Write out a prayer and pray it over your children. The word will not return void.
Yet they were disobedient and rebelled against You and cast Your law behind their back and killed Your prophets who accused and warned them to turn to You again; and they committed great and contemptible blasphemies. Therefore You delivered them into the hand of their enemies, who distressed them. In the time of their suffering when they cried to You, You heard them from heaven, and according to Your abundant mercy You gave them deliverers, who saved them from their enemies. Nehemiah 9:26-27
Teaching children to honor is serious business. And the rewards are great!
Teenagers often struggle to comprehend that various events occur simultaneously beyond their immediate perception. They perceive situations solely from their own vantage point, internalizing and projecting their emotions, which may lead to self-victimization or vilification of their parents.
It’s never too late to learn!
This is why it is so important for parents to teach processing and communication skills to their children when they are young.
Don’t just talk about how they are feeling or why they are sad or angry, because usually they don’t understand it themselves, but help them to ask the right questions and to listen to explanations to learn.
This takes a whole lot of practice!
Teach them to converse without accusation.
They have to be taught to slow down, and calm down before their brains can actively participate in a conversation for understanding.
Every little thing doesn’t warrant an explanation but they do need to know that you have their best interest at heart.
And if you as a parent haven’t learned how to do or teach this, It’s never too late to get started!
