But in order to get there, you have to move from where you are in the midst of the CRAP of life (challenges, rejections, adversities, and problems), to the point of smiles and giggles.

Again, it doesn’t come easy. Yet, parenting was never meant to be easy. Look at what God Himself did for us, sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to give us life while taking His own.

You don’t have to feel like you’re giving up your life to raise your kids. It’s an honor to raise kids, as much as they drive you silly and then some. You get to raise these blessings and have an influence on their life like no one else.

The K.I.S.S. ~ Hold on…there’s still hope!

Raising kids is a privilege, even in the moments they drive you crazy. You are shaping hearts and minds. That influence is priceless and will echo for a lifetime.

So when you’re stuck in that hard moment, when it seems like none of your words are sinking in, what can you do to hold on? Here are three lifelines:

1. Pause and Breathe. You don’t need to have all the answers in this second. Give yourself permission to take a moment—slow your racing thoughts and ground yourself before responding. Calm is contagious.
2. Remember the Why. When frustration peaks, remind yourself why you’re here. Your kids need your presence more than perfection. You get to teach them how to navigate life by how you navigate this moment.
3. Choose Grace Over Grit. Sometimes firmness is necessary; sometimes gentle love is the better path. Meet your child where they are, not where you want them to be. Grace opens doors that grit can’t.

Hold it together, mom! God’s got you in the middle of everything. I promise it won’t last long. And then you will sit wishing you could have some of that craziness and chaos back to feel alive again.

“Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!“