We have officially hit the terrible twos. We are experiencing temper tantrums, exceptional stubbornness, an intense need to have control, and independence that can rival any pop diva of the past century. Yes, this is my fault entirely as our beloved baby girl has my willfulness and can be quite hardheaded. When I mentioned to my father that I was not this difficult, at least from my recollection, he laughed. Funny how we remember ourselves as children so differently from our parents. In my mind, I was sweetness and light, in reality. I have always been a force to be reckoned with. So how do you guide this in your child? How do you help to mold a child without breaking their spirit? Seriously, if any of you have any ideas, I would appreciate an email. I need all the help I can get! Anyway, it is an adventure arguing with a small version of yourself. I am sure many of you who are parents have experienced this once or twice at least. For me, I have learned to pray for my children. I pray for their present and also for their future. I pray for God’s will to be done in their lives and that they will follow him. I teach our children to take their feelings to God as well as their needs. Mostly, this is done through my own behaviors. Our daughter is very astute and will mimic the behaviors she sees. From me, she has gotten a love of cleaning, rocks her baby dolls like I rock her brother, folds laundry, and has a tendency to throw her hands on her hips and squawk back at me if she does not like what I am telling her. I swear if you want to know what you do the most on a daily basis, let a toddler follow you around and see what they pick up. Because of my little shadows’ ability to mimic me, I have become more intentional in my habits. I watch my words and actions a little more closely. I think a lot about what I want our daughter to learn from me and what I pray she never sees, like my insecurities. In this period of time in our lives, I think a lot about the way God gives us instruction and a model of behavior in order to lead a life that will help us to be like Him. We have the Bible and example of Jesus to guide us to be like our father. From our father, comes the gift of children. We are called to guide and prepare them to follow Him. In that case, I pray that my husband and I provide positive examples to our children on how not to be perfect, but to love God and desire to follow Him. Our children are not ours; they are just entrusted to us here on earth but ultimately, these beautiful babies belong to God. I thank Him daily for the wonderful gifts He has entrusted me with.