A Course Taught By Children...

One of our many main goals as parents is to set a good example for our children. We also try to install the best possible values and manners in them from a young age.  We start out with the small things like saying please and thank you. But of course work our way up to the big stuff as they grow. We make sure they know family means everything and comes first at all times. Although at times these things are easier said than done but for the most part these are the basics. It is when the hard stuff comes into play that you need to worry. Like trying to explain to a teenager why they can not hang out with that crowd of friends, why drinking and drugs is off limits and will never be tolerated ever, and many more tough subjects that you face as a parent. Then of course they question your authority. Some days I dread this one. You know the old didn't you do it when you were younger? Honestly do you tell them the truth if you really did do it? I am coming up on that age with my oldest son now who is 13 and he can come up with some pretty good questions. Up until this point I have been pretty honest. Okay maybe a few white lies here and there.

During my time as a parent I have always worried about every decision I have made. How would it affect them? Because I got divorced will they think that is a normal way of life? Am I to strict? When they are adults and become parents will they say they want to be the opposite of how I was? These are just some of the things that run through my mind sometimes. The one thing that I do know is that my children will always know how much they were and are loved no matter what.

I also want them to know that even though it was my job to teach them the ways of the world per say they have taught me more than I could have ever dreamed possible. They taught me that your love for a child is unconditional, a hug from your child makes the hurt go away (isn't this supposed to work for kids and not parents), and of course no matter how old they are they will always be your baby. These are just a few of the hundreds of things my kids have taught me. Lots of the learning experiences we have shared have been through laughter and some through tears. I am  proud and honored to have 2 beautiful children as teachers.

And just in case I forget to mention it every now and then. Thank you for the patience you guys have with me too.. Sometimes I forget it is a two way street.