How Does a Mother Set a Proper Catholic Example?

[wumpiesmommy]

I have 2 young boys. a toddler and a newborn. I grew up Baptist but since converting to Catholicism I’m deeply inspired by St. Monica and want to know what she would do for her kids at this age.
I face 3 obstacles: 1. My husband (a Catholic from birth but only newly practicing) handles most of my children’s caretaking due to physical challenges I have. 2) I have never really been taught how to show love so I’m sweet to my kids, patient, and only say uplifting things, plus my disability pays our bills and I make sure to provide them quality toys, needs, and occasional surprises, but I don’t know if that’s enough. 3: When I don’t feel well, which is about half the time, maybe a third, I tend to isolate, resting or diving into spiritual study and writing, because I’ve always been that way and have been unable to succeed in being emotionally present when I feel bad. I don’t know how. Of course, my husband cares for them at such times but I feel like such a failure compared to St. Monica.
I think my example is excellent in other ways. I can’t stop talking about the Lord, the faith, and when I feel good it’s like the spirit pours over me I’m so full and eager to share.
Any advice?
BTW, my disabilities are narcolepsy, chronic pain, and resulting depression only when unwell physically.
Thank you,

 

[wumpiesmommy]

BTW, we do attend Mass every Sunday and Days of Obligation and Confession on Saturdays.
Am I doing enough?

 

[MaryT777]

Yes, sounds to me you’re doing a great job given your limitations which we all have as mothers. Mothers that care always want to “do better” but instilling the Faith is the most important as you know.

Peace,
Mary.

 

[St_Francis]

For the age they are, that is absolutely wonderful! You have plenty of time to be learning so you will be able to teach them more as they grow older

One thing I feel i should have done more of is teaching them about the saints.

 

[englishredrose]

Seems like you are doing a good works

 

[silentfactor80]

I have 2 young boys. a toddler and a newborn. I grew up Baptist but since converting to Catholicism I’m deeply inspired by St. Monica and want to know what she would do for her kids at this age.
I face 3 obstacles: 1. My husband (a Catholic from birth but only newly practicing) handles most of my children’s caretaking due to physical challenges I have. 2) I have never really been taught how to show love so I’m sweet to my kids, patient, and only say uplifting things, plus my disability pays our bills and I make sure to provide them quality toys, needs, and occasional surprises, but I don’t know if that’s enough. 3: When I don’t feel well, which is about half the time, maybe a third, I tend to isolate, resting or diving into spiritual study and writing, because I’ve always been that way and have been unable to succeed in being emotionally present when I feel bad. I don’t know how. Of course, my husband cares for them at such times but I feel like such a failure compared to St. Monica.
I think my example is excellent in other ways. I can’t stop talking about the Lord, the faith, and when I feel good it’s like the spirit pours over me I’m so full and eager to share.
Any advice?
BTW, my disabilities are narcolepsy, chronic pain, and resulting depression only when unwell physically.
Thank you,

You clearly cared enough to post here and look for advice so I would say you are NOT a failure. To me a failure would be a person who just doesn’t care and doesn’t open up.

 

[Anglewannabe]

I make sure to provide them quality toys, needs, and occasional surprises, but I don’t know if that’s enough.,

I don’t know what you mean by ‘quality toys’, but being the first kid on the block with the newest toy is not a Catholic upbringing.

Now, it sounds like you are doing a lot but here are some things I saw my mom do that helped. Pray before eating, pray with your kids before they go to bed, when you are looking for something and you find it say ‘Thank you St Anthony’. And never swear

 

[Robot_Maria]

Be human, be yourself.

You sound like you’re doing a great job so far!