Rediscovering Your Joy in Motherhood

Imagine you’re sailing on the open sea. You’re out on the deck soaking up the sun, listening to the waves, and enjoying the ocean breeze. Everything around you is peaceful and wonderfully tranquil.

Suddenly, without warning, your peace is shattered by chaos. Your ship comes under attack by pirates.

Moms often feel like a similar scenario happens to them every day. They begin each morning with an expectation for how to make their day go peacefully. But somewhere along the way, unexpected circumstances hijack their plans and throw everything into chaos.

We’re talking with author Ashley Willis on our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Rediscovering Your Joy in Motherhood” about how moms can do more than begrudgingly survive motherhood. They can thrive through it and enjoy their kids’ childhood.

Ashely describes four “peace pirates” that will steal the joy of motherhood:

Mommy martyrdom. Making your children an idol and neglect yourself to the point that you feel like a martyr.
Clenching control. We need to have expectations for our children, but discipline can cross over into unhealthy control.
Excessive expectations. We have to assess what kind of expectations we place on our children as well as the expectations we place on ourselves as parents.
Comparison. Whether it’s comparing ourselves to people on social media or comparing ourselves to our friends and family.

To avoid “peace pirates” and rediscover the joy of motherhood, avoid becoming so distracted by chaotic moments that you’re missing the moments that count.

If you’re a mom who is struggling to find joy in parenting, listen to the program on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.

We’ve also got a free parenting assessment for you that will quickly give you an overview of how your family is doing in several key areas. It also offers suggestions for improving the relationships in your home.

Before I close, I’d like to extend an invitation for you to become a special partner with us through our monthly “Friends of Focus on the Family” program. When you do, I’ll send you a copy of Ashley Willis’ book, Peace Pirates: Conquering the Beliefs and Behaviors that Steal Your Treasure in Motherhood as a way of saying thank you for touching others with the love of Christ. You’ll also receive member-exclusive benefits.

Now is a great time to donate to our ministry. Generous friends are making it possible for your donation to Focus to be doubled. Which means your gift will go twice as far toward rescuing hurting marriages, equipping parents, and giving families hope. To make your pledge, or for more information, visit our website or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).