The Art of Co-Parenting

“Then He took the children in His arms and placed His hands on their heads and blessed them”

                                                                 -Mark 10:16

As many of you know…I had Lilly at the ripe age of 19. I was, for lack of better words, a baby. Like most teenagers, I was not looking for a life partner when I linked myself to Lilly’s dad forever…but it is what it is and 6 and ½ years later we are still fumbling our way through parenthood. So here’s the thing. Being a  parent is hard…being a parent with an ex…MUCH harder. Thankfully for us, Lilly was young enough when her father and I split that it won’t cause any permanent damage (well here’s to hoping at least) and again…6 and ½ years later I feel like we are finally starting to figure it out. Now don’t get me wrong, we are by no means the ideal divorced parents…but then again…we are divorced, so us getting a long all the time is just out of the question. But I can say that we are at a place where we are putting our differences aside and putting Lilly first. I know how hard it can be to bite your tongue when all you want to do is scream. I know how terrifying it is sending your child away for weeks at a time not knowing with complete certainty that she is getting the kind of love that she receives at home with you.  But what it comes down to is trusting that God will take care of His child…the child the He so graciously let you borrow and that He trusted you to raise. If God can trust me…I can trust Lilly’s dad. 

 Lilly’s dad just recently moved to Texas with his girlfriend who I absolutely adore and Lilly is over the moon.  I feel like Lilly can finally have the relationships that I had growing up. Instead of 2 parents who loved me…I got 4. My sweet baby has 4 people who would do anything for her and I feel blessed to have finally gotten to this point. So to all you single parents who think it will never get easier…hang in there. Im not saying that every day is easy for us…but we never fail to work through the hard days and come out stronger, better parents. But remember, every decision we make and every word we speak directly effects our children….and you never know when little ears and eyes are around.  All I know is that if you love your child, you will so anything to put their happiness first. If Lilly’s father and I can do it…anybody can. So I leave you with this.

“But when I am afraid, I will pit my trust in You. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?”      -Psalm 56:3-4

With all my love,

Kayleigh