I just love fall or Autumn as some of you may refer to it. There’s the change of weather, shorter daylight, searching for the best pumpkin, cinnamon sugar doughnuts, and to top all of that, it seems as though everything slows down just enough to sip a cup of hot cider. But there is also the hustle and bustle of school starting and schedules getting really busy.

Before this season starts, sit with me for a moment and let me speak into your life. Pour yourself a cup of tea, coffee, hot cocoa, or latte and see what God has in store for you. This season will be upon us in a blink and I do not want you to miss out on raising your children because of hurried life.

When it comes to “training up the child in the way he should go,” you’ve got the inside lane. Mom, no teacher or coach, neighbor or friend, grandparent or sibling, counselor, or minister will have an influence on your children that you are having.

So—take it easy…slow down.

Remember (as Anne Ortlund puts it) “children are wet cement.” They take on the shape of your mold. They’re learning even when you don’t think they’re watching or hearing you. They figure out motives, even those you think you can hide. They are not fooled, not in the least.

When my Tiffany was about five, I remember walking in on her as she was playing with her dolls. I stood at the door so she could not see me and to my surprise, I heard her take her two dolls and make them yell at each other. I gasped and thought how did she learn that? She was pretending it was a mom and dad fighting….and not in a good way.

The two most important things to remember for parenting are time and touch. These two things, in my opinion, are essential to releasing your child from the nest as fairly capable and relatively stable people who can soar and make it on their own. In order to do this, you will need to pay the price of saying no to many of your own wants and needs so that you can interact with your precious little ones.

Let me say it again, time and touch. Nothing new.

Slow down…take it easy!

Listen to your children, look them in the eye, put your arms around them, hug them close, and tell them how valuable they are. Don’t hold back.

Slow yourself down to hug them and listen.

It is my hope that next time you are tempted towards distraction, you will stop and think of the unspoken message it will convey.

Remember mom…you won’t get these years back.

XO,

Sandra Maddox