A continual dripping on a very rainy day
And a contentious woman are alike. Proverbs 27:15-16
I enjoy nagging my kids –said no mom ever.
Have you ever watched old family movies? Better yet, have you ever watched family movies when your kids were small?
I’ll tell every mom this much–it’s not for the faint of heart.
Like a family time-machine, we were transported to fifteen years ago, to a home where our four children were much smaller, and much more of a handful.
The scene opens to our family room, green threadbare couch, sparse décor and four busy children from one to ten years old, entertaining the camera with their individual circus acts.
While we’d watch the TV and laugh at the antics, and how they used to interact with one another, I was as mesmerized as they were.
When did I ever have that kind of energy? Sweatpants, no makeup and hair pulled up in a ponytail—my daily mommy uniform. I watched a much younger-me hold my youngest and could almost smell the baby spit up on my shirt.
This part made me sad.
What made me sad, was listening to my voice in the background.
Like some Nazi-movie director, “Meghan, stop that. David, don’t poke your brother. Grace, sit still.” But, my most un-favorite phrase I heard myself shout over and over again
“I said look at me! Now, smile! Look at me. Look over here. Smile. I said smile. SMILE!”
Goodness, what child is going to want to smile after being nitpicked to death? I wonder if this is the natural progression into grandparenthood–when those small things I used to think were such big things, like wearing rubber boots to bed, or leaving a few rogue peas on a dinner plate, all of a sudden aren’t a hill to die on anymore.
The Bible warns us in Proverbs that as irritating as a constant drip drop, drip drop is exactly like the sound of a woman who nags.
Most often, we think a nag is just reserved for the role of a wife. Not true. Us moms are up for the challenge in that category, too. Watching hours of me as a young mom was not the highlight reel I’d been hoping for.
The truth is, the next time you feel the desire to needle, or pester, provoke or annoy, make sure the video camera is off.
Self Reflect & Application
- Do you repeat yourself a hundred times when you’re talking to the kids? Guess what? You’ve trained them that way. Time to sit them down and tell them there’s a nag-less sheriff in town. This one responds with a consequence if she has to repeat herself.
- Do you nag your husband? None of us want to think we do. Ask a friend what they think if you’re brave enough for the answer. If you nag your hubby the chances are you nag your kids.
- Take a little time this week to truly listen to what you’re saying. Make a point to make some positive changes.
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