I have been a single mom for almost 20 years. My kids were 3, 7, 12 and 14 when my ex left.

As a single mom, it's often hard because you are the only one to deal with the children. Although, this can often be a blessing as well. There is no one for them to play against you.

Often you second guess yourself and wonder if what you are doing is right. There are times when you are and there are times when you aren't. Overall, you have to do the best you can do. This poem was written when I was second guessing myself.

Children learn what they live, that's what they say, what are my children learning by their living?

Are they learning that people are loving or unconcerned? that they are loved by me or that I don't care?

What are they learning by my behaviour? Will they learn to be moral, responsible,loving, caring, human beings, or cynical, hurt, confused children, never growing to their full capacity because of my limits?

How do I limit themwhen I scream and yell when I dismiss them because of their behaviour or because I am "too busy to be bothered" instead of listening and quietly loving?

Help me, Lord, to stretch my limits so that I, in turn, can stretch theirs. Let me hold them loosely but lovingly in my hands as You hold me in Yours so that they can try and I can let them, but still be close if they need me for comfort.

Copyright Fran Watson