Friday, November 21, 2014

Women's Panel

First of all, a huge heartfelt "thank you" to the Mentor Moms who participated in Tuesday's panel. We know it's not easy to sit in front of a room of us and share into a microphone, but your wisdom and insight were invaluable. We have the unique opportunity to glean life and motherhood nuggets from some pretty amazing ladies, and we are grateful!

For those unable to attend, the women touched on what's important in motherhood, marriage, and family dynamics as they reflect on their own experience.

A few tidbits to take away...

on Motherhood:
  • Savor the early years--they go so fast!
  • Have fun with your kids
  • Forgive yourself
on Marriage:
  • Make a point to spend time together, to connect
  • Take advantage of growth/enrichment opportunities such as retreats or conferences
  • Play together
  • Hang in there!
on Communicating with Your Kids:
  • Take advantage of the moments, as inconvenient as they may be, when your kids want to talk to you. 
  • Notice and adapt to individual communication styles between multiple children
  • Listen
  • Remember that "words can't be unsaid"
on Self-Care:
  • Institute "quiet time" for kids so you can have time to yourself
  • Include kids in life-giving things: devotional time, exercise. You're modeling good habits for them.
  • Don't feel guilty about what "fills your cup." Any cost (not getting the chores done, for example) is worth it because "you can't pour out of an empty cup."
  • Connect with female friends who remind you you're not in it alone!
on In-Laws:
  • Assume good intentions!
on Including Grandparents (our parents,in-laws) in Our Busy Lives:
  • Call vs. text--they want to hear your voice!
  • Make them aware of opportunitites to be involved with your kids (recitals, activities)
  • Ask them if there's something in particular they'd like to do with your kids or your family (over the holidays, for example) so they have something to look forward to
  • Know that grandparents want to make memories with you and your kids
Discussion Questions:
  1. What is one thing that resonated with you, or that you identified with, from the panel?
  2. What is one thing mentioned by a mentor mom that was inspiring or that you would like to try out with your family?
  3. What is one thing that you wish you had known about becoming a mom?
  4. Who in your life has been a source of good mentoring since becoming a mom?        

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