On Raising Women

They say that when you raise a daughter you're raising your future best friend.

Not necessarily AS you raise her/them. Oh, you are a best friend TO THEM as you parent them because you have their best at heart and in mind as you parent them. They just may not count you as THEIR best friend.

Or even like you for that matter in their process. 😜

But if they know that your influence and involvement in their lives is to benefit them not to control them (it’s a fine line); they'll trust you even as they pull away for a bit.

AND... when they are grown women and come to you as a mentor and friend - that's when the payoff happens. 💗💗💗 And they will blossom and grow and teach you as well.

Hang in there, and stay strong, moms and dads. No one stays 13, or 15, or 17 forever. (Thank you, Jesus!) 😂🙌🏼

These women are precious to me, and at different times in each of their lives, I was NOT their favorite person. 😊😭🙃

Now that they're in their 20's and 30’s and have kids of their own, my role has moved from mothering to mentoring and friendship, and the trials of earning their trust as teens as we all grew up are now the foundation of lifelong, trusted friendship. 💗

Don’t give up. The young women in your life need you to lean in and stay strong and consistent so they know how to do it too!

Momming future leaders and best friends with you!

TRACI :)