|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I still remember the scene vividly. I was getting out of my car at the baby-sitter's house and a little boy comes running out the door. The little boys begins to yell - "Renee's Mommy is here!" I remember stopping in my tracks and thinking - "Oh, that is who I am now - Renee's Mommy." My whole identity is now Renee's Mommy - or is it?
As a Christian Working Mom I have multiple roles, I am Renee's Mommy and Zachary's Mommy as well. I am John's wife, Betty and Eldred's daughter, Karen's sister, church worker, school helper, a therapist, professional coach, and a child of God. Do you often wonder who you are? Where do you fit in with all your roles?
Women have had many roles since time began. The Proverbs 31 woman is a: wife, mother, businesswoman, charity worker, and many other roles. You will recognize in here some of the stresses we modern women face. Proverbs 31:15, 18 states she gets up while it is still dark and her lamp does not go out at night. Does that sound familiar? We are often burning the candle at both ends.
Although are many roles can be stressful there can be great joy in all our many identities. I love being Renee and Zachary's Mom. There is great joy in watching them grow and learn about God and His world. I also thoroughly enjoy my work as a professional coach and therapist. Work provides me great satisfaction. Christian Working Moms often receive a lot of support and encouragement from co-workers. As Christian wives we give and receive companionship, support, and passion (when we pencil it in) with our husbands. Our work at church and school also gives care and comfort for others. We often receive the greater blessing when we work at church or at our children's school.
As a fellow Christian Working Mom I celebrate and applaud all our different roles. Variety in our roles often allows us to manage turmoil in any one area of our lives. The other parts of our lives seem to compensate for the difficult times and help us to maintain balance. I encourage you to rejoice in all God has given you and your many different roles.
Oh, by the way if we meet virtually or in person I'll answer to Kimberly, Renee's Mommy, Zachary's Mommy ..........
© 2004 Kimberly Chastain
About The Author
Kimberly M. Chastain, MS, LMFT is the Christian Working Mom Coach and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in helping Christian women make the most of their lives. She is the author of the on-line course, "I Can't Say No" and Pearls of Encouragement for Christian Working Moms, a free e-book. If you suffer from "I Can't Say 'No" Syndrome, visit Kimberly's site today for the details on an exciting email course that's sure to set you free! http://www.christianworkingmom.com/online.htm.
The Text Information Box above MUST be included for reprint privileges. You may reprint this article in it's entirety with the attached text box.
Wind Chimes and more... In school, kids are encouraged to create, draw, color, paint... Read More If I had a dollar for every time I persuaded... Read More Becoming a stepmother can undoubtedly be one of the most... Read More Do you have a young child whose weight or eating... Read More "How many times do I have to tell you to... Read More We take it for granted that children know how money... Read More For several years now, I've told the following story as... Read More Are you a professional?Notice how the questions differs from, "Do... Read More I remember watching my 18-month-old son eat a big frosted... Read More 1. Diapers (5 -7 is a fairly safe supply)2. Wipes3.... Read More Are you worried about your child's reading habits? Perhaps you... Read More Maryann is so focused she's blind. She's slipped over the... Read More Let's be honest! When it comes to parenting, men expect... Read More Optimists do better academically, socially and enjoy better health than... Read More Do you remember how you first learned the alphabet? I... Read More When my oldest boy was really young, he tickled my... Read More No matter how old your children are, you have an... Read More Impulsivity is one of the hallmarks of people with Attention... Read More Successful families don't just happen. They take time, talent and... Read More If your parenting methods include abuse of any kind; physical,... Read More Ritalin has been shown through the years to be very... Read More For over fifty years, public-school officials and politicians have tried... Read More 10 Fun Things You Can Do With Your Children this... Read More Here's the scene of communication with your child: your three-year-old... Read More Potty training fears, often called toilet terrors, are common among... Read More
Windchimes
for great gifts!
7 Easy Ideas for Organizing Kids Artwork
Eating Disorders in Children
Top Seven Tips To Become A Good Stepmother
Preventing Obesity in Young Children
Personal Responsibility: What It Means and Whose Job is It?
Teaching Your Children About the Value of Money
Life Lessons Learned in My Underwear
Who Are You When the Professional In You Meets Baby?
Eye-Opening Questions for Working Parents to Ask
Top 20 Items To Pack In A Diaper Bag
Frequently Asked Questions About Reading To Your Child
You Make Me Sick And Other Things Parents Say in Anger
Moms - Get More Energy Now
Teach Children The Skills Of Optimism
Bring On The Music To Help Your Child Learn Faster And More Effectively
What the Matter Is
Develop Your Childs Genius - Right Brain/Left Brain Coordination
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: What is Impulsivity?
Ready, Aim, Achieve! - Become An On-purpose Family Through Goal Setting
Is Your Discipline Damaging the Spirit of the Child?
Treatment Options for ADHD
Public Schools Can Waste 12 Years of Your Child?s Life
Fun Things to Do with Your Kids this Summer
Child Communication Skill: Do You Really Know What Your Child Is Saying To You?
Toilet Terrors And Other Potty Training Fears
1. Tell me something you like about yourself? Help your... Read More
In speaking with parents a comment I frequently hear is... Read More
At age seven months in the womb, humans begin language... Read More
Often I will hear parents say, "I just ignore Jr.... Read More
Whether children attend public or private schools, they benefit when... Read More
For first time parents choosing a swing set or outdoor... Read More
Child Car Seat Safety:We know you love your children, but... Read More
Successful parents have learned to be both firm and kind... Read More
Here's the scene of communication with your child: your three-year-old... Read More
In seminars I am often asked about pocket-money and whether... Read More
Do you ever wonder what is behind the occasional nasty... Read More
Many reasons will cause some people to feel the need... Read More
Q. We just got our daughter's progress report, and it... Read More
People always ask my wife and I: "How did you... Read More
As parents and teachers, sometimes we want to praise, at... Read More
As parents, we strive to address all of the questions... Read More
When a child wets the bed they worry. Children tend... Read More
Ask parents what their biggest school year challenge is, and... Read More
Can you draw a straight line? Most adults don't consider... Read More
Bearers of life, wipers of noses, givers of unconditional love... Read More
Everyone knows that exercise is good for your health. Exercising... Read More
Sitting by her Pinocchio lamp, she smiled at me as... Read More
I remember when my daughter was born, later my son.... Read More
The learning and development of Australian kids is under threat... Read More
"Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing... Read More
Parenting |