Deep Breath's

Sometimes being a single parent is really hard.  I'm just gonna say it.

Though I will say this, I've found that raising 3 kids alone is easier than what I was doing before I was single.

So yes I'm raising 3 kids alone, but this little guy?  My-lanta, he's tough.

I remember this phase from when my other two were little.  But I don't remember it at the same time.

They had their own things, their own issues, their own lucky-charms and yogurt waterfalls down my black leather couch moments (that was Olivia).

But 2.  And I'm gonna guess 3.  These are tough years.

I'm pretty darn proud of the fact that he pee's standing up.

I'm pretty impressed by his communication skills which have always been super advanced for his age.

I'm amazed at how well he sings and the crazy amount of songs that he already knows by heart.

I love how affectionate he is to everyone.

I can't believe how well he counts and how good he is with letters and sounds.

He knows who Jesus is......that right there?  That is EVERYTHING.

But, these nights of fighting him when he simply looks at me and tells me "no."  When I don't know whether to discipline or repeat myself or force him to do what he was told to do?    These moments are the one's when single parenting is toughest.  When I try and put him to bed and he smacks me in the face?  How do I respond?  Is physical punishment the "right" thing.  Is it time out?  Do I just sit and hold his little angry writhing body until he calms down?

There are a million and one parenting books out there.  Tons of advice.  Tons of people in my life with an opinion.  And only one God telling me what to do.  In the heat of the moment with a two year old it is REALLY hard to hear what God wants you do to.

So I sigh a deep sigh.   Do my best.  Hope it works. Give it to God.  Trust Him.  Fear not.

Breathe deep.  He's got this.