Suggesting we all read a story in bed together, before they ask.
Making lunches that are not only nutritious, but delicious; and the envy of their friends.
Pointing out the wonders of nature as we walk to the school bus.
Educating them on the different seasons and flavours of vegetables as we stroll the market.
Helping them with their homework patiently, rather than hurry them through so that I can finish dinner or check that email.
Cheering them on when they make a mistake in a sport, and really meaning it.
Tucking them in, saying goodnight and then missing them when they’re asleep. .
There are many things I do as a parent that make me feel like a good parent. Some days, they’re not obvious or very glamourous, but they’re there when I think hard and reflect on them. It used to be that I would go to sleep and curse myself for some of the not so fabulous parenting moments I had had that day. A wave of shame and guilt would wash over me and cloud my ability to fall asleep. Recently, I started patting myself on the back and reflecting on the good rather than the bad. For the past few nights I’ve even shared some of the highlights or cute anecdotes with my husband. It’s done wonders for my nights and mornings. I wake up ready to face the new parenting day. Knowing that the night before I had reassured myself that I am doing a good job as their mother.
Here’s your task; Give yourself a Parenting Pat On The Back. Right here. Right now. List five things you did today that made you the awesome parent you are!
[tags]kids, children, parents, parenting, lessons, great, love, self-respect, appreciation, lessons, appreciation, kudos, pat on the back[/tags]
Photo graciously provided by computix, through a Creative Commons license, some rights reserved
4 responses so far ↓
Megin Hatch // Oct 11, 2007 at 1:36 pm
Oh, Chantal. This is a good post. It’s so easy to be discouraged or down on ourselves for falling short.
I kept my patience through 3 changes of clothes (within 5 minutes) with the girl Punk.
I heated up leftover rice and beans to send with Punk #1 for lunch.
I made an ABC puzzle fun again by turning it into a game- the puzzle pieces were upside down and we had to find them in order. Lots of hoots and hollers.
I always think it’s good to reflect on the day…
nan // Oct 11, 2007 at 5:10 pm
A whole FIVE? Hmm.
Did not yell at my space-cadet middle son, Sam. Not once!
Let my eldest come to work with me, just because he said he needed a break. He spent an hour in the photography/website studio in the same building, learning to edit. When he came back to my studio, I gave him a design lesson.
Made 2 lasagnes, froze one of them for another day.
Finished reading “the lion, the witch and the wardrobe” at bedtime, and SNUGGLED Max.
Got the 3 boys to completely clean out my car. Without yelling. Paid in chocolate chip currency.
GOSH! That IS five! You’re right, I am a better mom than I realised. As a reward, I will go to sleep early.
Dawn // Oct 12, 2007 at 6:27 am
I like this…what did I do?
Brought my baby to the parents center for 1:1 play while her brother was in preschool. Lots of laughing and giggling
Brought kids to watch horse lessons near our house. My son asks every time we drive by but we never have the time
Went to the Library and asked the Librarian for a book about Space. It made my son very happy.
Made Tacos for dinner with TVP. A dinner the kids always like.
Gave lots of hugs and kisses.
It’s good to remember the nice things that happen in between the crying, yelling and tantrums.
Thanks
Megan // Oct 12, 2007 at 7:09 am
1. let my 21-month-old nurse as long as he wanted to this morning even though we were lying down and my back hurt
2. let him sleep with us last night because he was having such a hard time sleeping, even though he sleeps perpendicular in the bed
3. made yet another nutritious and interesting lunch
4. put a futon mattress on the floor last night and let him jump and climb all over it
5. tell him I love him several times a day
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