It’s a Marathon not a Sprint

Last night Isaiah had a complete meltdown when it was time to go home after an evening at his grandparents house.

As a parent it’s easy to become frustrated by his behavior especially given how late it was and our own exhaustion from a full day of activities.

Instead Regina Watts and I had a silent agreement that we’d allow him to vent his frustrations and provide comfort for him when we got home.

During the car ride home I sat quietly trying to understand what he was going through and allowing him the time he needed to get his emotions together.

The truth is he’s only 3 and simply has not had enough time in this world to deal with his emotions the way we do as adults.

It’s important to realize that our children simply do not have all the wisdom and knowledge to navigate mixed emotions.

I’m learning that the best I can do for them in those moments is to let him deal with those emotions the way he knows how.

Provide comfort for him so that he is reminded that I am here for him and not angry with him.

Then simply continue to build and teach the wisdom that we have which will eventually give him the knowledge he needs to deal with his mixed emotions.

This is easier said than done. And truly is more of a challenge for me as a parent than it is for him. But I must not forget how important it is for him that I’m patient with him during these moments.

It’s a marathon not a sprint.  God is extremely patient and careful with our emotions.  We can do the same for our children.