4. The Plague of Flies: When Mealtime Turns into Chaos
The fourth plague in Egypt was swarms of flies that descended upon the land. While you may not be dealing with literal swarms of insects, mealtime with kids can feel like chaos has been unleashed. From picky eating to spilled milk, mealtime can quickly devolve into a scene that feels like a biblical plague.
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One child is refusing to eat anything but mac and cheese, another is using their mashed potatoes as building material, and the baby is determined to throw everything off their high chair. Sound familiar? Managing mealtime can be one of the most stressful parts of the day for parents, especially when everyone seems to have their own agenda.
How to Cope: Keep mealtime expectations realistic and understand that not every meal will be perfect. Try to introduce new foods slowly, and involve your kids in meal prep to help them feel more engaged. And when the mess seems overwhelming, remember that this stage is temporary!
5. The Plague of Locusts: When Growth Spurts Take Over
The eighth biblical plague brought a swarm of locusts that devoured all of Egypt’s crops (Exodus 10:14-15). If you’ve ever had a toddler going through a growth spurt, you know what it feels like to watch food disappear as quickly as you put it on the table. Children can seem like bottomless pits when they’re growing, eating you out of house and home in what feels like a locust-like frenzy.
During these periods, your child may be hungrier than usual, asking for snacks every five minutes and polishing off full meals without hesitation. As exhausting as it can be to keep up with their appetites, it’s a sign that they’re growing and developing into healthy kids.
How to Cope: Stock up on healthy snacks, and try to offer nutrient-dense options that will keep them fuller for longer. Make mealtime fun by including a variety of food groups and allowing your child to choose their own healthy options. And remember, these growth spurts are temporary, so enjoy their increased appetite while it lasts!
The Blessings of Parenthood Amidst the “Plagues”
While it can be tempting to compare the trials of parenthood to the biblical plagues, it’s important to remember that these challenging moments are part of the journey. Every spilled cup of juice, every sleepless night, and every picky eating phase is just one small piece of the incredible adventure of raising children.
Parenthood may feel overwhelming at times, but it’s also full of joy, laughter, and love. Embrace the chaos, and remember that just like the Israelites were freed from the plagues, you too will get through these tough stages of parenting. Someday, you’ll look back and miss the toy clutter and even the constant demands for snacks—though maybe not the sleep deprivation!
Parenthood, like the Bible, teaches us patience, resilience, and unconditional love. While the “plagues” of parenthood may test you, they are also reminders of the beautiful and meaningful work you are doing in raising the next generation. After all, even the hardest days are a blessing in disguise.
