Helping Moms Meet Their Needs

In the days prior to actually becoming mothers, we fantasize about motherhood, imagining it to be magical, swathed in perfect pastel images. Then reality hits.

My dreams and expectations were along the lines of a diaper commercial — lots of smiles and coos and a perfectly happy and contented baby. Sure, there would be difficult times, but they would not get me down for long. And my love for my baby would overcome any lack of sleep or missed lunches with my girlfriends. Not so, I've learned.

As mothers of preschoolers, those who have children from infancy to school age, we find a widening gap between our unrealistic expectations and the undeniable reality of our day-to-day lives. Yet this gap grows some of our basic needs as a mother. Because we've become moms doesn't mean we're finished being children. Or students. Or pilgrims.

Moms have continuing needs too.

• Needs are normal. Every human being has them. A mom who believes she has no important needs is sure to end up feeling frustrated and empty. Needs are important at this stage of a mother's life.
• Needs are personal. Every mom has needs that vary depending on the person and situation.
• Needs must be recognized. Moms must learn to recognize and meet their own needs in order to better meet the needs of their children.

MOPS International's mission is to encourage, equip, and develop every mother of a preschooler to realize her potential as a woman, mother, and leader. That's a Mother's Day gift for every day of the year!

Adapted from What Every Mom Needs by Elisa Morgan and Carol Kuykendall. An updated version of this MOPS classic will be released in July.

For great Mom-centered resources and tools, visit the MOPS International website.

How to Teach Your Children the Bible

At FamilyLife, we believe the Bible contains the blueprints for building solid marriages and family relationships. By being purposeful when our children are young, we can instill in them a desire to learn the Bible.

Here's a fun blueprint that will help you get started teaching your preschooler the Bible. Begin with Psalm 1:

• Read it to them.
• Ask a couple of questions (just to make sure they were listening!).
• Read it again.
• The third time you read it, have them repeat the words after you, one phrase at a time.
• Ask a couple of deeper questions to see if they understand it.
• Before reading it to them again, ask what they remember about the Psalm.
• Ask them to repeat any of the words they remember.
• Then read it together again.

By following this pattern, you'll be amazed at how much they can pick up.

Keep in mind, our children need to learn not only what the Bible says, but also what it means. That's why it's important to teach them passages and books in addition to verses and stories.

You'll be amazed at how quickly your preschooler will begin understanding the "why" of the Bible — and the impact it can have on their lives and hearts.

Check out next month's BOZ Buzz for another great FamilyLife parenting tip. And if you'd like more parenting insights, go to FamilyLife’s website.