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Maren

Maren's Thoughts on Gentle Mothering

What does gentle mothering mean to you?

Gentle mothering means responding to my child's wants and needs in the most gentle way possible, giving the child what is best for him/her, even if that is the answer "no" or "not now."

Why do you feel gentle mothering is so important?

Children are so new to this world. They are learning absolutely everything. What they are taught and the way in which it is taught will affect that child and the way they view the world. I believe that it is important to be firm and consistent, but that children respond best to a gentle hand and voice.

Why do you feel that God wants me to parent this way?

God created us and our children. Our children are a gift to us, a gift straight from God. He has entrusted my children to my care with the charge to lead them to Him. He is called our Heavenly Father. If I want my children to want to know Him in an intimate, personal way, they need to see Him as a benevolent, loving Father. Therefore, as parents, we need to model ourselves after God as benevolent, loving parents. If we are harsh, our children will more fear us than respect us.

Maren's Testimony

I accepted Christ as my Savior when I was seven years old. My parents had taught me about my need for Christ as a sinner. I rededicated my life to Christ when I was 15 at ICHTHUS, a Christian music festival. I reaffirmed at that time that I truly did want to live my life for God with Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.