Parenting demands a strong backbone. When the storms of family life rage hardest—temper tantrums, teenage rebellion, mounting stress—it's tempting to shut down or retreat into silence, hoping the problem will just pass. But here's the hard truth: the parents' job is not to run from the heat. It's to stir the fire just enough so real growth can happen.

Why? Because your child's greatest lessons don't come from perfect moments or rehearsed speeches.

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They come from raw, real-life experiences—the challenges, the messes, the unexpected curveballs.

Your willingness to meet those moments head-on provides your child with a living blueprint for resilience, empathy, and wisdom.

Yes, it's true—parenting requires shaking things up. But with intention.

Your stories, your lived experiences, your hard-earned insights shouldn't dominate the conversation or become justifications for your actions. Instead, they should be tools to deepen understanding and help your child become their best self.

Every stage of your child's journey calls for a sage—a wise, steady guide who's willing to face the challenge rather than run from it. That sage can be you. But only if you refuse to fold when the going gets tough. So stir the fire!

The K.I.S.S. ~ Stir the fire!

So how can you use your wisdom to stretch and grow your child without turning it all back to you? Here are three critical moves:

1. Listen First, Teach Second The temptation when things get rough is to jump straight into advice or "because I said so" mode. Instead, pause and truly listen to what your child is feeling and experiencing. When they feel heard, they're more open to learning. Your wisdom takes deeper root when it follows understanding, rather than replacing it.

2. Share Your Story with Purpose and Limits Your struggles and past lessons are powerful—but keep them focused. Use your experience to highlight the 'why' behind a boundary or lesson, not as a self-centered tale. Make it about what your child can learn, not a spotlight on your own journey.

3. Challenge with Care, Not Control Growth happens outside comfort zones, but forcing your child into your mold backfires. Invite them to stretch by asking questions, encouraging problem-solving, and allowing room for mistakes. Show confidence in their ability to grow even when they stumble.

Remember, parenting isn't about being perfect—it's about being present and brave enough to shake up the status quo. You aren't just raising a kid—you're raising a future adult who needs your steady, wise hand in the fire, not your retreat.

So next time the pressure mounts and your instinct says, "Run," remember: Momma doesn't run. She stands, she guides, and she builds a living legacy of strength.

"Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!"

#ConfessionsOfAnUpsetMama #CreateYourNow #TodaysParent

💍 The Christmas Ring by Karen Kingsbury: (https://karenkingsbury.com)

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Cover Art by Jenny Hamson

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Music by Mandisa - Overcomer

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Song ID: 68209 Song Title: Overcomer Writer(s): Ben Glover, Chris Stevens, David Garcia Copyright © 2013 Meaux Mercy (BMI) Moody Producer Music (BMI) One Songs (ASCAP) Ariose Music (ASCAP) Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publ. (ASCAP) D Soul Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.