Let Them Live And Reduce Your Stress

“The more you let other people live their lives, the better your life gets.” — Mel Robbins

Whew—this quote is hitting home lately.

Parenting is a beautiful experience, but it’s not always easy. People often say the toddler years are the toughest, but let me tell you—parenting a young adult hits different.

My daughter never gave me major problems, but this new phase is stretching me in a different way. I’m still guiding her, praying for her, cheering her on—but I’ve learned I can’t live her life for her. I can’t force her to see through my lens. And stressing over her choices? That’s not my assignment.

I trust the foundation I’ve laid. I know I raised her with love, values, and a God-centered heart. So when she makes decisions I don’t agree with, I let go and let God. And when she asks for advice, I’ll give it—but how she handles it is up to her.

Letting her become is part of my growth too. And in doing that, I am at peace.

I’m learning, daily, to release and rest—because that’s what real parenting looks like when your baby is becoming a woman.

If you’re in this season too, breathe deep.

You raised them well.

Keep guiding, keep praying… and keep trusting.

Becoming Armanni was the theme for my daughter’s 16th birthday.

From A Single Mother on Father's Day

Originally published on June 18, 2023

From the heart of a Single Mother on Father’s Day. Should single mother’s expect to be honored Father’s Day? It’s a “No” for me.

Father’s Day is not Single Mother’s Day. It is a holiday to honor Fathers.

When my daughter was younger she used to celebrate Father’s Day by giving me gifts, of course it was things she made at school, but I accepted them. You see, my daughter’s father chose to be absent from her life. (Read more in the book Daddy, Do You Love Me?) When my daughter got older, I explained to her I could never be her father. I encouraged her to celebrate her grandfather and uncle. My Dad and brother never hesitated to step in and be father figures for my daughter since her birth. My daughter did not lack a supportive male presence in her life.

I took my role as a single mother seriously. I did the best I could with what I had and God did the rest through family and friends. As a single mother, I never said anything negative in the presence of my daughter about her dad. That should not be hard to believe. Not every single mother is bitter or petty. I know I can never raise my daughter as her father.

In honor of Father’s Day, I send blessings to all Father’s and father figures. To single mother’s who feel they fill both roles I send a reminder. You can only do what is in your capacity. If your child chooses to celebrate you on Father’s Day accept it. Thank them. This thankfulness is not selfish. Your child is just recognizing you as the active parent in their life. Consider your child’s age and encourage your child to celebrate the father figures who have stepped up. The males who show unconditional love and support and is consistent in your lives.

The last thing single mother's, don't use Father's Day, or any day as an opportunity to downgrade your child's absent father. If you cannot say anything nice about him, don’t say anything at all. Remember our day is Mother's Day. So celebrate Father's Day by helping your child honor who is present.

Happy Father’s Day

The perfect gift for daughters who dads choose to be absent from their lives. Perfect for Father’s Day or any day. -PN