“But kids don’t stay with you if you do it right. It’s the one job where, the better you are, the more surely you won’t be needed in the long run.”
― Barbara Kingsolver, http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/161123
As I write this blog, I have to laugh. I wonder if readers think I’ve raised these amazing, perfect daughters with absolutely no issues to deal with. Well, they are certainly amazing – as are YOUR children – and perfect – at least a perfect fit in our family – but no issues? hahahahahahaha. Right.
Just know that there is no such thing as perfect parenting. We are all going to say something stupid, or hurtful, or wrong, or negative…or whatever it is your kid SAYS you say that is wrong. (How many times do you hear “stop yelling at me!” when you are doing anything but yelling? (In fact, you are merely biting your tongue?) And just WAIT till you start talking about SEX with them!
So, just feel good that you are doing the best you can with what you know and with whatever circumstance you are dealing with. If you blow it, like I have been known to do on many occasions, you can remedy it. Take a deep breath, calmly approach your teen and merely apologize.
Personally, I believe in letting them see the human side of you – you aren’t just a mom, you are a person. (I think they forget sometimes…) They will learn the awkward art of apologizing – and learn how to be a gracious forgiver. The benefits will come much later when they say something stupid, hurtful, or wrong to you – and then follow-up with an apology. I can tell you from experience, there is nothing that melts your heart like being on the receiving end of a sincere apology from your child.
Just sayin’.
“The best way to keep children at home is to make the home atmosphere pleasant, and let the air out of the tires.”
― Dorothy Parker
(quotes from Goodreads.com)
I will be out of the country for a couple of weeks, however my blogs will continue to be sent out. If I do not respond to your comments, I will when I return! I appreciate the comments I have received so far.
