Pirate and ship.
Pickle and sandwich.
Ketchup and mustard.
Playdoh and edible.

Hmm, ok – maybe that last word association is only applicable to the tiny versions of us running around our houses. If you’re unfamiliar with word associations, it’s when someone says a word and you say the very first thing that comes to mind, without thinking about it. It can make for a great game to play in the car. So let me ask you, what is the first thing that comes to mind when I say, “Mama Bear?”

What is a “Mama Bear?”

A Mama Bear Protects

For me, the answer is, “Protective.”

Is this who I am as a Mama? In so many ways – yes! I keep my kids safe from dangerous situations. I teach them that poison ivy hurts and that throwing rocks at each other is a bad idea. I instruct them not to speak with strangers and to respect the ocean’s powerful waves. I demonstrate how to use knives and give them space to practice it safely. I show them what can physically harm them. Deeper than that, I teach them how to protect their hearts, souls and minds. I question how much screen time is beneficial for them. I consider the messages television shows and movies communicate. I consider the implications of personal influences in their lives. I’m not talking about sheltering them from everything. Instead, I choose to be wise and discerning.

A Mama Bear Models What is Good

To know what is good is also to know what is bad. What do I mean? When you know how it feels to be healthy, you can identify when you feel sick. When you know what it feels like to be happy, you know when you are not happy. As a Mama Bear, I model what is good, right, pure, lovely and joy inspiring. It means we have sword fights. We dance in our kitchen. We dig for pirates treasure in our backyard. We laugh and hug each other. I teach them about God. I show them the beauty of God’s creation. I read the Bible to them and help them understand what honors God and what dishonors God. I train their minds to discern what is good from what is bad.

In these way, I am fierce like a Mama Bear. I protect them from injury and I guard their hearts and their minds.

A Mama Bear is Nurturing

There’s another side of being a Mama Bear you may not have considered. I’m not only protective. I’m also nurturing, calming and safe. I teach my kids how to take deep breaths when they’re frustrated, I show them how to calm down when they’re anxious. I give my little ones huge bear hugs when they need reassurance. I wipe away their tears when they’re sad, rub their backs when they’re scared and I’m always up for a good snuggle. I live out the truth that they can depend on me – and more importantly, I pray that through learning to depend on me, they learn that they can depend on God. In my home, Mama Bear means that I am comforting like a teddy bear.

Are you starting to see that there are more layers to being a Mama Bear that just being protective? One last piece needs to be addressed. Our home.

A Mama Bear Cultivates Her Home

“A house is built by hands but a home is built by heart” – how true is this saying? I want the heart and culture of my home to be intentional. A place where my family and I can learn in a way that feels safe. It is safe to try. It is safe to fail. It is safe to admit when you have messed up. It is safe to forgive. I whole-heartedly believe that how our home is set up and decorated impacts us. The colors, décor and systems in my home aim to be soothing and practical. I love organizing to make our lives easier and our home more peaceful. In my home, this is part of being a Mama Bear.

I’m far from perfect. I’m learning right along with you. But I am inspired and motivated to be someone who comforts and guards my children’s hearts while also cultivating a peaceful home. This is the heartbeat of this blog. This is how the name of this blog was born. Throughout the pages here you will find content on real life motherhood. From morning routines to how I spend naptimes. From which items helped us organize our kitchen to which diaper bag we liked. From how we discipline our kids to how we encourage them. Here’s your official invitation to c’mon over – step into This Mama Bear’s Home, and stay as long as you like.