It has been one week since my previous blog post on early potty training – and what a week it has been! It has been a week of reflection, close observations into human nature, and acceptance.
What do I mean by all this? For those who don’t know what I’m referring to, I’ll bring you up to speed:
Last Saturday evening I enthusiastically recorded the events of my day – a successful day in potty training. The decision to begin so early was perpetuated by a book given to me by a friend. I found it both fascinating and informative. Being drawn to a more organic style of living, I knew at once that I had stumbled upon a gem. A gem I was eager to share as the perfect choice for my family.
Though most comments to my post were quite positive and supportive of my unconventional choice there were some remarks and reactions that have led me to clarify. My post was written to inform on a method of potty training that was unknown to me until recently. I was excited to share my journey, particularly since the route I’m taking this time is so different than the conventional method I used with Blake. (Both are equally valid choices but I have now found one that allows me to be truer to my beliefs and parenting style.) In sharing this journey and giving a synopsis of the book, I never for one moment intended to offend anyone by my choice. I sincerely apologize to anyone offended by the information provided or the manner in which it was presented.
I respect others opinions and believe we all should make the best choice for our children. I celebrate mothers making their choices confidently, knowing that they are doing what is best for their child! Am I confident in the choices I make? Yes. I make them quite carefully. I realize that they will forever impact my children’s lives and I don’t make them flippantly (even the little ones.) Every choice I make is part of my journey through motherhood. There is an amount of trial and error involved. There is research involved (be that seeking information from books, medical journals, other customs, or advice from mothers I admire.) But ultimately, it’s about glorifying God with our choices as we seek to raise these precious gifts from Him.
Am I the perfect parent? Ha…no.
But I know one. My Heavenly Father provides the only example of a perfect parent.
God knows us intimately. Better than we even know ourselves. He knows what we need and he provides it in His perfect timing. Moms seem to have been gifted with a similar sense in raising their children. I know my son. I know his body’s habits and his personality. I was quite certain that he would respond well to this style of potty training. And I am happy to share that he has!
This week I have reached a place of acceptance. I fully accept that my opinion and decisions are different from many moms I know. And in being different, it may cause others to feel uncomfortable. Even though that is not my intent, I accept that. I realize that hearing about an 8 month old going potty might bother some people and that’s okay. But know this, even if my opinion could not be further from yours it does not mean I consider yours less valid. I can only hope to be offered equal respect.
It is my prayer to parent my children with confidence in my choices and boldly serve God with my life. But I sincerely pray this for all women. As women, we each have so many gifts, wisdom, and expertise to offer each other. Imagine what it would be like to share our choices openly, accept each other, mentor each other, lift one another up, and celebrate together through this journey of motherhood. I don’t think I could imagine anything better.
Colossians 3:15 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace…”
