What Is Right Isn't Always Clear

Am I too hard on my kids?  We run a structured house with clear boundaries.  We have high expectations.  While I know these are good things to have in place so our kids can thrive and grow and feel safe I often wonder if it's too much.  Am I asking too much of such tiny little guys?  

Little Man has been having trouble lately.  He loves to yell no.  He likes to refuse instructions at home and at school.  We don't accept that behavior.  He is given choices usually but yelling no is most often not one of the choices he has.  We have consequences for that behavior.  We discuss times when it is ok to say no the adults that are helping keep us safe and teach us.  He still struggles.  We are at a loss for what else to do.  So now what?  Ease up on the little guy?  Stick to our guns and continue frequent time outs?  Is there an inbetween?

When I question this and myself I feel even worse because this is one of those situations where I feel I'd like a mothers opinion.  I have my sister for support.  It is amazing.  I love her and she is always there.  But sometimes a girl just needs a mom, or so I hear.  Maybe missing out on that aspect is what has been getting me a bit down lately.  It is hard being a mom, especially without one.  

There have been times in my life that my aunt or grandmothers have stepped up to the plate.  They didn't have to but they did because they love me.  I am greatlful for that.  So why hasn't anyone now?  The only person from my side of the family that has even contacted us have been my sister.  Nobody else has so much as called or sent the kids cards (excet Little Man's BDay and Xmas).  Why have they left me and my new little family alone?  Isn't beginning motherhood when a girl usually has her families support the most?  Wasn't I the one that threw both cousins wedding and baby showers?  Didn't I go take care of their kids when they were born?  So where is that support when I need it?

But maybe this is just another oportunity for me to remember who has my back.  I keep repeating the verse, I know the plans I have for you.  I don't know why I feel this way, why Little Man is struggling, or why my familt is acting as they are.  But someone does.  And in the end it will all work out even better than I can imagine.  So for now I keep my chin up and keep doing my moommy thing.  I assume what we are doing is best until I realize there is something better.  And I treasure each day with my babies since I dont know how many I have.