The Modern Juggle

In today's society, we often find ourselves caught up in the chaos of after-school activities, weekend birthday parties, and the constant pressures to keep up with the Joneses. As a mother, I often worry about falling into the "suburban trap" of overscheduling my children and pushing them into activities they aren't interested in. I want to raise well-rounded children who are free to explore their passions and interests, without feeling pressured to conform to societal expectations.  I believe that it's crucial to prioritize our children's well-being and happiness, even if it means going against the grain.

For example, I thought private pre-school AKA full-time childcare would be the answer when my son was school age, but I'm finding that I am missing out on a major part of his day. As a former teacher, I understand the importance of schooling, but I also see how children spend more hours at school than the quality hours at home. This had led my son to asking the daily question, Is it a school day today?

I often question whether I'm making the right choices for my kids; I think of what my mom would tell me, what is best for everyone may not be what is best for your kid. I am a believer in doing what ever is best for the individual child, even if that means the other kids in the neighborhood aren't doing it, hell it may be different than what their own sibling in the same home is doing. All children are different and have different needs. When are we going to start meeting kids where they are instead of forcing them to align with the rest of the world? It is a juggling act though, I want to be present in their lives and actively involved in their development, but the demands of modern life often make it difficult to strike a balance.

I know that I need to trust in God's plan for my family and let go of the anxiety and pressure that come with trying to control everything. However, I struggle with my reliance on God and find myself trying to figure things out on my own. As a Christian, I know that is what the enemy wants. He wants to tear me away from my God to pursue my own wants. To be honest, it is quite a mind fuck. I know that I shouldn’t swear if I am talking about my Christianity values, but I have to find a middle ground here. I have to find a way to be myself and know that I have a savior who loves me and has saved me without feeling the guilt of a meniscal sin. Is it a sin to curse? I know the bible says we should hold our tongue, but I find it hard to believe that some of Jesus's closest disciples held theirs 100% of the time.

I am a Christian woman living in a modern world, trying to keep up with the pressures of what social media says I should be, yet also wanting to bend the rules of todays society. The modern juggle of motherhood is a constant challenge. It requires flexibility, grace, and a willingness to prioritize what truly matters. I'm learning to embrace the imperfections and uncertainties of life, while striving to create a loving and supportive environment for my children. I believe that by trusting in God's plan and staying true to myself, I can navigate this journey with confidence and joy. As the renowned reality television personality, Stassi Schroeder, wisely says, "You can't have it all, at least not all at the same time."

Xoxo,

Ashley