We all have negative thoughts that creep in as we parent our kids. When we allow those thoughts to become our mothering soundtrack, however, we quickly descend into discouragement and discontent. Learn how to flip your mom script, replacing discouraging thoughts with Biblical truth, for greater peace and joy.
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In my post “7 Calm Down Strategies for Moms”, I mentioned one of the best ways to reverse an emotional spiral is to change your inner script. We often don’t even realize how much we feed our stressed out, overwhelmed, and frazzled states by the thoughts we play on repeat. We’ve become so accustomed to these soundtracks (as Jon Acuff calls them), we don’t even realize we’re playing them.
We also don’t realize we can change them.
We simply take the feelings and emotions as they come, accepting them as truth and handing over the reins to our peace and joy.
But what if we realized our feelings are merely indicators of an issue, not dictators of our emotional well-being? (Props to Lysa TerKeurst for that little nugget of gold!) What if, in the heat of a frustrating, overwhelming, or heated mothering moment, we paused to take stock of our thoughts.
What if, instead of accepting those thoughts as gospel, we intentionally chose thoughts that would better serve us? Thoughts conducive to peace and joy. Thoughts of love and kindness towards our kids and ourselves. Thoughts in line with God’s Word.
What if, as 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “we [took] captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ”?
That’s what I call “flipping your mom script,” and it has done wonders for my mothering. Below, I give examples of common – but toxic – thoughts moms often have, and how to replace them with Biblical, encouraging, affirming truths. Read through them, then add some of your own in the comments at the bottom!
Note: For more on stopping the spiral of toxic thoughts, I HIGHLY recommend Jennie Allen’s book Get Out of Your Head.
How to Flip Your Mom Script
We all have negative thoughts that creep in as we parent our kids. When we allow those thoughts to become our mothering soundtrack, however, we quickly descend into discouragement and discontent.
Check out these ways you can flip your mom script, replacing discouraging thoughts with Biblical truth, for greater peace and joy:
When you think:
“I can’t do this!”
Replace it with:
“I don’t have to do it in my own strength because God works through my weakness.”
Meditate on these verses: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Philippians 4:13
When you think:
“My kids are driving me crazy!”
Replace it with:
“This is hard, but my kids are a blessing and a joy.”
Meditate on this verse: Psalm 127:3
When you think:
“I’m going to lose my mind!”
Replace it with:
“God gives me peace.”
Meditate on these verses: John 14:27, Philippians 4:7, 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Related post: 7 Calm Down Strategies For Moms
When you think:
“Ugh! They’re so annoying!”
Replace it with:
“Love is patient, love is kind.”
Meditate on this verse: 1 Corinthians 13:4
Related post: Why I Won’t Call My Children Names
When you think:
“I could do so much more if I didn’t have kids.”
Replace it with:
“I am doing important Kingdom work.”
Meditate on: Psalm 127:4
When you think:
“Maybe I’m not cut out to be a mom.”
Replace it with:
“God has called me to motherhood, therefore He equips me for it.”
Meditate on these verses: Ephesians 2:10, Hebrews 13:20-21
When you think:
“I’m too tired. I’m not strong enough.”
Replace it with:
“God gives me the strength I need when I’m weary and power when I’m weak.”
Meditate on this verse: Isaiah 40:29
When you think:
“I don’t want to do this today.”
Replace it with:
“This is the day the Lord has made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it!”
Meditate on this verse: Psalm 118:24
When you think:
“I’m failing as a mom.”
Replace it with:
“I’m not perfect, but that’s okay! I am loved and accepted. I don’t have to be perfect because Jesus is perfect, and HE is my kids’ Savior.”
Meditate on these verses: Philippians 3:12 (ESV), Galatians 2:20, Hebrews 5:9
Related Post: 10 Life-Giving Mom Affirmations (When You Feel Like a Failure)
Book Recommendation: Mom Set Free: Find Relief from the Pressure to Get It All Right
When you think:
“I don’t know what to do!”
Replace it with:
“God gives me wisdom when I ask for it.”
Meditate on this verse: James 1:5
When you think:
“I can’t wait until they…”
Replace it with:
“Lord, help me be present and enjoy the season I’m in.”
When you think:
“I messed up so badly today!”
Replace it with:
“I made some mistakes, but tomorrow is another day. Lord, help me do better tomorrow.”
Meditate on these verses: Lamentations 3:22-23
Related Post: 6 Steps to Freedom From Mom Guilt
When you think:
“Everyone is doing important things, and I’m just over here doing nothing.”
Replace it with:
“Every task is sacred work when done in service to God.”
Meditate on these verses: Colossians 3:17, 23-24
When you think:
Any thoughts of worry or fear
Replace it with:
“Lord, I give these concerns and anxieties to you, because You are faithful.”
Meditate on this verse: 1 Peter 5:7
Related Post: 5 Prayers to Combat Mom Fear
Negative, discouraging, and anxious thoughts about our mothering come to all of us, but they don’t have to stay! The longer we allow them and the more we rehearse them, the more power they wield over us.
“Flipping our mom scripts” — changing what we say to ourselves on a regular basis — will empower us to be the peaceful, joyful, intentional moms we were created to be.
Want this list as a printable PDF? Get it (for free) here!
Not only will you get these “mom scripts,” you’ll also get access to my entire vault of freebies AND weekly Merry Mommas Club emails full of tips, resources, and encouragement for joyful motherhood!
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
- 20 Rejuvenating Scriptures for Weary Moms
- 10 Life-Giving Mom Affirmations (When You Feel Like a Failure)
- 6 Steps to Freedom From Mom Guilt
- 10 Ways to Refuel Your Mom Tank Every Day
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