Bridget's Advice

Since I have yet to put all the advice I've received from people about being a mom, I've asked my friend, Bridget, to share with us. Here it is...

When I was pregnant with our first child, Parker, I received a lot of unsolicited advice. Being a first-time mom, I welcomed all the advice I could get. I read a lot of books, listened to a lot of Dr. Dobson, and spent a lot of time in prayer. The most-offered piece of advice when I was pregnant was: “You should really try to breastfeed your baby. It’s the best thing for your child.” Sometimes I felt like people would look down on me as a woman if I didn’t breastfeed. So, I gave it a try. And, it didn’t work. And, I was completely okay with that. Some women would tell me to contact the La Leche league for help and support. But, I was truly okay with not being able to breastfeed. When I gave birth to my second son, I had already decided to bottle feed. And, I didn’t care what anyone had to say about that. I knew I was doing what was best for my son and for me, being a working mom. Besides, my mom bottle-fed me and I turned out fine! (Some might argue otherwise!!)

Once my sons were born, all of that so-called “advice” I received went out the window! I soon discovered that every child is unique (even my two boys) and no one can give you instructions on how to raise YOUR child. I had to trust my instincts and sometimes I thought, “I’ve done everything I can think of and he’s still crying. What now?” Those moments were hard but all worth it! I think God sometimes gets us to that point as a little reminder that we can’t do this alone—we have to lean on HIM. We are given a precious gift and a huge responsibility, but our Heavenly Father is with us every step of the way.

I also remember telling friends and family, “When I have kids, they won’t act like THAT.” Yeah, I’m eating those words now. I always thought I’d be a tough disciplinarian, but I’m actually a softie. What I’ve had to learn these past 6+ years as a mom is to be firm with my kids and stick to my guns. As hard as it is when they’re crying and know they’re in trouble, it’s my job as a parent to discipline them and correct them when they do wrong. I know that if I tell them they won’t get to do something or go somewhere, then I have to be prepared to follow-through with that punishment. Kids are smart—and they figure out pretty quick how to push your buttons. So, don’t waiver on discipline, but love on them at the same time.

My best advice comes from the word of God:

Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) says, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”
Ephesians 6:4 (ESV) says, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

I can’t give you any better advice than that which is found in God’s word. Every child is different and no one can give you instructions on how to raise YOUR child. Don’t be afraid to call your pediatrician if you’re uneasy about something. And, don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions. Seek the wisdom and guidance of other Christian mothers. But, above all, pray for your children.


Bridget is the mom to two boys, Parker (6 yrs and a Christmas-Day baby!) and Micah (3 yrs) and wife to Cameron. She lives in Abilene, TX, and went to Hardin-Simmons University with Kama, KLee, and Sandra.

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