Anna is a mum of two navigating the “in-between” years. No longer in the intensity of the toddler stage, but not quite in the teenage years either. Living in Sydney with her husband Dan, she balances part-time teaching, family life, and church, all while seeking wisdom for raising daughters who are beginning to ask deeper questions about faith. In this season of growing independence, Anna reflects on the joys and challenges of pointing her children to Jesus.
1. Tell us a little about yourself!
I’m Anna. I live in Sydney and work part-time as a high school maths teacher. I grew up in a Christian family and have been a follower of Jesus my whole life. I enjoy cooking and baking, the beach, reading, Christmas, and music from the late 90s/early 00s. Dan and I have been married for 18 years, and he works in ministry. We have two daughters aged 9 and (almost) 12.
2. What does your season of motherhood look like right now?
I’m in the season of having both kids in primary school, which I’m told is a nice stage — and I’ve found that to be true. I’m out of the little years of constant physical demands, and my children are more independent, though at 9 and 12 they still need us a lot. Our weeks are full with school and homework, but we try not to over schedule. We value family time and are fairly involved in our church. Spiritually, at this age I find my girls are familiar with many Bible stories, and are beginning to ponder tricky questions and think about following Jesus for themselves. Much of my mothering energy right now is spent seeking wisdom for raising tweens.
Much of my mothering energy right now is spent seeking wisdom for raising tweens.
3. What’s one part of being a mum that has surprised you the most?
I was surprised by how much I love them. I knew parents loved their children, but I didn’t realise the depth of unconditional love I’d feel for my own. I’ve also been surprised by how challenging parenting is — every season brings new challenges and a constant need for wisdom.
I’ve also been surprised by how challenging parenting is — every season brings new challenges and a constant need for wisdom.
4. What brings you the most joy in this season? What are some challenges?
Seeing glimmers of their growing faith is a real joy – in the questions they ask, the conversations we have, and hearing them pray.
I love sharing jokes and seeing their sense of humour develop — when they genuinely make me laugh, it brings so much joy. I also treasure connection and closeness, both between me and them and between the two of them as sisters.
A big challenge is working to keep that connection strong as we head toward the teen years. Another ongoing challenge is helping them grow in their relationship with each other — for their sake, and for the sanity of those listening to the arguments!
Seeing glimmers of their growing faith is a real joy – in the questions they ask, the conversations we have, and hearing them pray.
5. How has your faith shaped the way you parent, especially on hard days?
My faith reminds me of the most important goal in my parenting: that my children would know and love Jesus. On ordinary days, that means modelling a faith-shaped life, talking about Jesus, and reading the Bible together. On hard days, it looks like a lot of prayer — for their hearts, for my patience, and for them to see God’s character through the way I treat them.
6. Has becoming a mum changed how you understand God as Father?
Becoming a mum has deepened my understanding of God as Father — especially as I reflect on the cross and the sacrifice of Jesus at Easter. It has also helped me see more clearly God’s love, grace, and his loving discipline toward me.
7. What’s something small but meaningful verse/thing you do/encouragement that helps you keep going when you feel tired or overwhelmed?
Romans 8:28 is a huge encouragement to me — knowing that God is at work for my good in every season. Another lifeline has been friendships with other mums. Whether it was sharing struggles in a small group when my kids were young, or now sending a quick text for prayer or catching up for a walk, those relationships — especially with women who point me back to Jesus — have been so important.
… sending a quick text for prayer or catching up for a walk, those relationships — especially with women who point me back to Jesus — have been so important.
8. What would you say to a mum who feels like she’s not doing enough?
You really are doing enough. Motherhood is all-consuming, and there’s so much pressure to do it all and do it perfectly. If you love your kids and are seeking to meet their needs and point them to Jesus, that’s what matters most. You can’t do everything — so just do what you can and trust God to supply what you and your children need.
If you love your kids and are seeking to meet their needs and point them to Jesus, that’s what matters most.
