This is from a post I wrote four years ago, and because it is a good perspective on parenting, I thought I'd share this here:
<<<<In different ways, I feel like I've been a better mom to the oldest children... and other ways, I've been a better mom to the youngest.... I think as mothers, we will always have to fight against thoughts of inadequacy.
The fact is, God knew before the foundations of the earth, which of my children would be born in my 20's.... which would be born in my 30's.... which would be born in my 40's... .and He selected their birth order knowing what would be best for each of them and for me.
He knew what my health would be like at these various stages of my life and the impact that this would also have on my parenting. So, that means my mothering looks different now than it did before (and in most ways, HALLELUJAH!)
There are always things that need improvement, but especially in a larger family, I've come to accept and believe that God knows that I can't be everything I want to be to ANY of my children, so I pray for Him to make up for my lack.... His grace is sufficient for them, too, but especially for me.
Parenting in His grace is much easier than in my guilt. :-) >>>
