
Before Christmas I wrote a 'Dear God' letter to Him about the burdens I've been carrying. In that post I mentioned that my husband and I were having some struggles but I didn't mention what they were, mainly out of privacy.
However today I think it's okay to discuss just one of the issues; the balancing act of being a mom.
Before my husband and I were married our time and attention with one another was not a problem. Even when we first were married, still no problems, that is until we had our first child, Hannah. Two years later arrived little Jesse. That's when we began to encounter our first 'real' issues.
I understand that I don't really need any Scripture telling me that my husband comes first because I alread realize I made my life blood-covenant with my husband until death do we part. I know there is the important verse:
"For what God has brought together let not man take apart, for they are no longer two, but one." Matthew 19:6
I also understand that our children are pieces of Jesse and myself, but as husband and wife there is a contract that we pledged before God, witnesses, and one another that we would love, honor, and obey. And the verse above stated that '...let no man take apart..' I agree that includes anything or anyone, yes, even our children.
However, where I struggle as a mother of two young ones, a preschooler and kindergartner, is that they require 95% of my demands; the other 4% is divided among housework, being a 'room mom' in my daughter's classroom, making dinner, running whatever errands need to be ran, making important phone calls, and the list goes on.....so where is there time for my husband and I?
Every since we've been blessed with kids; we can't seem to agree on even the simple things when it comes to them. For instance; our daughter had a bad, bad cold this last November and he felt we should let her body fight it on it's own and wait it out, yet I was in pain watching her feel miserable and wanted to give her some OTC meds. So we argued. Another time our son didn't get his way with something and came crying, tears down his red face, to me (mommy) wanting comfort. Now, I know I should not comfort him when daddy rebukes him and I didn't but I'll admit it wasn't easy. It broke my heart, but I knew it was the right thing to do. The problem lies in the fact that my husband didn't realize I had already told our son 'yes' to something he now told him 'no' to. But I couldn't tell my husband during that scene, however I did share the details about it with him later. Even still we argued.
In a nutshell, my two kids see me 80% more of the time than they see daddy so they naturally come to me for
everything; questions, answers, meals, comfort, bath time, permission for things, Hannah learning to read, etc. I love them, but get exhausted from their constant 'pulling' on me and I can feel the affects of it wearing on my marriage; which troubles me. They have all my focus while my husband is spared. How fair is that? But how do I handle it when my kids are this age?
Hannah and little Jesse are so young though; so small. Isn't it normal that at age 3 and 5, they require so much and I shouldn't ignore that, right? So, even when my husband is home and the kids interrupt or start to fight over a toy or whatever, I always answer or go to their aid immediately, leaving my husband irritated and feeling abandoned. But shouldn't I, I mean someone needs to right?? I can't very well let them fight and ignore it while my husband continues to talk about his day? I feel the necessity to stop the fighting.
I don't want my husband to feel neglected though; and I hate that he gets mad with me, but I just don't know how to handle this. We seem to argue about everything in regards to them; even their bed time hour and routine with what's best for them. I've prayed about this, but still am not able to get a hold of how to put my husband first and teach my children they come second. I just don't know the answer. How does one balance out their life; church, marriage, kids, responsibilities......?????
God, once again, I need your guidance. My husband and I both do.
I can completly understand both sides of this.
ReplyDeleteKids are a big responsibility, especially at that age. And at that age, it's mommy they want for everything. Me, I felt like I had to compete for my wife's attention.
I wish there were a guidebook for parenting, but there isn't. It's sort of a learn-as-you-go thing, and that never changes. It helps a great deal, though, to be on the same page as far as the simple things go (and the hard things, too).
What fixed this for my wife and me was a weekly date. Every Saturday we get someone to watch the kids for just a couple of hours so we can go out to eat or catch a movie or just have coffee. Just to be together, by ourselves, without the kids.
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteHello, I just started blogging and I really enjoy reading your blog. I too struggle being a mom and finding time for my husband. Having four kids needing me,( along with all the other life's demands), makes it hard to meet our needs as a couple. Christ, makes us one in marriage so I do think it is both our responsability to make time for each other. A couple of things we try to do is go on a date at least once a month. I try to just do little things for my husband. Refile is coffee cup, make his dinner plate, or leave little notes for him to read. I also found the book The Power of a praying wife is a great book to help lift him up. It is one of my prayers too, which I will add your marraige to my prayer list. Have a great day!!!
With Love, Becky
If your house is like my house, the fighting among siblings somehow gets worse after Daddy walks in the door. That hour right before dinner is served always seems the worst. ... About a year ago, I started to tell the two of my girls -- 7 and 4 -- to work their problem out on their own. (Unless they were physically hurting one another). I send them to another room, close the door, and tell them they can come out after they've resolved their problem. That usually does the trick.
ReplyDeleteSarah, it's hard isn't it, balancing all of this?
My sister once told me to start each day with this simple prayer: "Lord, give me just enough grace for today."
I like Becky's suggestion of that book, Power of a Praying Wife, too.
Be blessed, friend!
Hi Sarah!
ReplyDeleteFirst: thanks for replying on my blog....I have added a "Followers" section so please stop back and "follow" me!
Second: Been here, done that. I was married for 10 years before we finally divorced. We did not have God in our lives or relationship.... Since the divorce I've answered the knock on the door to my heart and let Jesus in. BUT, I still know what you are going through. I have no really awesome advice that will turn it all around. Sometimes just knowing that it is not just your relationship that goes through this eases some of the burden. You are doing the right thing by taking this to God. JUST DON'T EVER GIVE UP ON YOUR RELATIONSHIP! I have a feeling you know that, too, but needed to say it! I kick myself alot for having let go and not fought for it, but God has a plan.
The pastor at my church often talks about his marriage. They are awesome people....in their early 40's....and he said once that everyday when he gets home, him and his wife stop everything they are doing, sit on the couch, and talk about the day, hug, reconnect if you will. Their girls (who are 10 and 8, I think) know that this is mommy and daddy time. It started out for 5 minutes and they have worked their way up to 15 - 20 minutes a day, whatever they need. The girls are not allowed to interrupt and have been "trained" to be self sufficient for a few minutes each day. I know your kids are younger but it might be worth a try!!! I have a feeling your husband would appreciate this as much as you will enjoy the time with him. Just wanted to mention something I had heard that worked....they have been married for 20 years now!
Anyway, I will keep your family in my prayers. You sound like a wonderful mommy and wife....don't beat up on yourself too much!
Take care!
Becki
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI just posted about the struggle that EVERY couple has. It is hard in every way! I think couples with younger children think they will have more time as the children grow. What I can tell you is there will never be anymore time. It's fights and boo boos and monsters when they are little, and it's activities and the demands of school and teenage drama when they are older. The demands never decrease they just change. So there is no time like the present to find what works and do it. We must also accept that the time and way we interacted before children will never be that way again. So me must change our mind set. It will never be that easy again. Use small things, hire a sitter for one on one time and use the verbal language that you husband responds to. Use small moments to make him feel loved. With that said we must also train up our children to understand that they are not always the center of our households or worlds and that Daddies need love and special time too. Sometimes they simply need to be patient and wait and be quiet. It is a good lesson to teach about the love between their parents and skills for later in life. I completely understand where you are coming from, I struggle with this issue on a daily basis. Keep at it and I know you'll find the best path!
I'll second what Becky said about the dates. It's something we do as often as possible--which means about once a month.
ReplyDeleteWe also give each other personal time. My wife is an actor and joins a local production twice a year (for 6-8 weeks of rehearsal and performance in the evenings). I write 1 hour every morning--and she knows that I need the time alone.
Well said, Becky.
ReplyDeleteUltimately, harmony is a delicate struggle, one which requires everyone to work together. I’m often guilty of coming home tired and not wanted to engage my family’s needs. I think we all struggle with this, and thanks for sharing something that we all identify with.
LOL, Becky, I must say at first I thought you were a little girl from the image here, how cute. :D
ReplyDeleteI love your suggestions about leaving little notes for him to read. Like around the house, I'm guessing? Or in his car? That's a great idea. In fact in might even rekindle some old feelings we once had because I used to mail him little index cards at his parents address saying 'I can't wait to see you...' things like that, so that's so cool you mention this. Thanks for your suggestions and prayer. Do you have a blog follower list? I'm going to check out your blog in a second to see. I love to meet and keep up with fellow folks who share my faith.
Blessings,
~Sarah
Awwwww, that's so sweet Sockrma18 oops, I mean Becki), nice to meet you by the way, that you say I sound like a wonderful mom. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYou're right; maybe you have a gift of discernment because I do know not to give up on our relationship. But hey, don't beat yourself up either about letting your's fall. It's in the rear view mirror now and all you can do is look forward. And see, now God used your trials to help others by your experience.
Hmmmm, your pastor has a good idear. Would you mind asking them how old his kids were exactly when they 'trained' their kids this? Also, would you be able to ask how long it took for it to process for the kids to accept it and know it's their time; no interruptions? I'd like to know so I can get a feel for things.
Thanks for keeping me in your prayers too. And yes, I will go add myself as a blog follower to you.
Blessings,
~Sarah
Travis,
ReplyDeleteThanks for giving a man's input and being honest that you struggle with engaging with your families needs at times. I really appreciate that and I do need a males point of view so thank you.
I know my husband is tired, he works hard and needs to rest. He is a wonderful man, really. I realize God made both man and woman very different which is what I continuously tell myself.
I'm going to take the awesome suggestions from Becky and Becki (Hmmmm, I just realized they are both 'Becky/i'(s)) and start from there. Ya'll have been great!
I think it is biblical to put your spouse first. But I do not have kids, so I should probably shut up now before I stick my foot all the way in.
ReplyDeleteI read somewhere that young children make demands on the nearest adult about three times a minute. THREE TIMES a minute.
ReplyDeleteNo wonder we feel a little stressed and pulled upon. : )
Great question, Sarah. I totally know what you mean. When the kids are little they fight literally, tooth and nail for your attention, but this too shall pass. My husband and I have regular date night now and time with just each other during the day and even sometimes in the evening. I would say the easiest time was when the kids were in school, but the oldest ones were not in high school yet. High school is crazy with sports and activities and late nights. Jeff just said we needed to start getting to bed earlier and I told him we could probably manage that by the time the kids were all in college:) Have a great day. Lori
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I would click three different answers on the bedtime quiz. Little ones by 8:00, middle schoolers before 10:00 and high schoolers whenever they get themselves there:) Lori
ReplyDelete