(Part 2 of the series: On Teaching Kids)

I remember that one of the best parenting (mothering) advice given to me came at a time wherein I just gave birth. I was struggling with breastfeeding and I was drained and exhausted. I doubted my ability to take care of my baby. I was clueless and inexperienced. I was overwhelmed too with all the parenting books that I have read. My friend Jiji Concepcion texted me encouraging words that changed the way I viewed myself as a mother and as a parent. She said this to me: “Anna, God has given Andi to you because you are the best mom for her. You have to trust the wisdom that God has given you and will give you to raise her up and take care of her. And God’s grace is there especially in our weakness. ” (somewhat paraphrased)

These words have not only encouraged me but made me confident to be the mom that God has called me to be for my child. It made me stop comparing myself to other moms and what they do better than me or what they do that I cannot do. It made me appreciate the skills, the strengths, the talents, the resources and the gifts that God has blessed me with as a person. And I believe that who I am and how God has made me to be is what I can use to parent, train and teach my child. [Of course, it is my strong conviction that the ultimate guide to parenting, training and teaching our children is the Word of God (Bible).]

For the moms who are reading this blog, this is what I want to arrive at. Please stop comparing yourself to other moms. It is good to learn from women you admire and look up to. Seeking wisdom and counsel is always beneficial too. Just remember that you are uniquely you! Use what you have and maximize them in teaching your kids! Enjoy who you are. You are the best mother (and teacher) your child/children could ever have!