Wanted: Perfect mom

For we are all twisted image-bearers, living with other twisted image-bearers in the presence of an untwisted God who is slowly making us straight. –Larry Crabb

I really wanted to write this article because I’d like to set something straight – I am neither an expert mom nor a perfect parent. I don’t know everything – I’m in the process of struggling daily to find better ways to improve things in the home, deepen my relationship with people and have a positive impact on the people around me.

Lately, I have been deeply hurt by people who make comments about something I wrote without taking the whole article in context. They get parts of what I said and judge me for a phrase in the article. Someone was even shy to share with me her life as a working mom because she feels guilty being around an expert like me daw. Once, when I was interviewed for a magazine, the reporter was quite disappointed when I shared with her the fact that I don’t consider myself an expert. I told her that she must have missed reading my "freak-out" articles. There are those who e-mail me for answers to their school requirements. Whew, I guess that goes with having a column as personal as this. I don’t resent the things I have just mentioned. I simply want to express also that I do get hurt – hindi naman ako bato – especially when the readers share their hearts; sometimes, I even find myself crying while reading an e-mail.

I know many can relate with my stories. I try not to give formulas for success but real, honest-to-goodness lessons of failures and successes that I and others have encountered or gone through, hoping those who chance by them will be inspired to a higher level of living. There are times I share tips that I have not personally applied yet, so that I may apply them in my life.

Am I saying that you can’t share your heart if it means criticizing my work? On the contrary, I want to thank all those who have taken time to put me aside and tell me their two cents’ worth. That’s courage, and it truly inspires me. I want to encourage all of you to continue reading Mommy Talk and giving me feedback so I can improve the messages I relay to you . This is for a better future and a meaningful lifetime. God bless us all.

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Can we help this mom? Please e-mail me your advice at bizwrks@attglobal.net.

Please help me with my problem. I have a one year old son and my big concern is how to clean his teeth well. He has eight. When I started cleaning them using soft cloth only, he would always struggle and cry. So I had to wait when he’s asleep. I have "introduced" to him the toothbrush but he doesn’t like it. I’m afraid I’m not so good at this. What can I do? I badly need help. Thanks! – Annabelle O. Ymbang, 28 years old, Davao City