{You'll have to pardon the random change of subject in this post. I may jump around a little}
I recently read a quote that I could not help but to fall in love with ~
"Amazing Grace:: Life is a classroom. We are both student and teacher. Each day is a test. And each day we receive a passing or failing grade in one particular subject - Grace. Grace is compassion, gratitude, surrender, faith, forgiveness, good manners, reverence, and the list goes on. It's something money can't buy and credentials rarely produce. Being the smartest, the prettiest, the most talented, the richest or even the poorest can't help. Being a humble person can, and being a helpful person can guide you through your days with Grace and Gratitude."
We could all learn a lesson from this. Whether your best day, your worst, or somewhere in between, these words mean a lot. At least to me.
Also recently, I have found myself doing a few things that I "swore" I would never do as a parent - Oops! For instance, I had always said that I didn't want my kid to have a T.V. in their bedroom. FAIL! We gave in when we moved into our new home, and she now has my old little T.V. with a VHS player attached. She falls asleep to it! What can I say?
Another thing, is that I had always said that I wouldn't send my kid to their bedroom if they're in trouble, because of two reasons: 1) What kind of punishment is it to send them to their room where all their toys and books are? 2) I never wanted her to think that her room was only for punishment. That you only go there if your in trouble. Well...FAIL again!
I have found myself doing this as of lately! It seems to be working though, being that I make her go sit in her room to think about what she's done, or what she's said. I take her T.V. out for the time being, just so she knows I'm serious.
How bad of me is it, really, to have given in to these two things? I feel slightly hypocritical (of myself) to have said these things in the not-so-distant-past, only to be putting them to use NOW! It's funny how your way of thinking changes along the way...
{I suppose I can chalk it all up to good ol' Mother's Guilt}
One thing I've learned as a parent, is that it really is a "learn as you go" kinda thing. I did all kinds of things I said I wouldn't do. In only 13 short months, I've been a hypocrite many times. And I expect there to be a lot more of that in the future. Every child is different. And the ideas and images we have of ourselves as parents, they change according to what works for our kids. It's okay! Don't be too hard on yourself :)
ReplyDeleteI know I don't have any kids, but I'm sure being a parent is a lot different than thinking about what kind of parent you want to be. I'm sure everyone starts out with "Oh, I'll only feed my kids organic food that I grow myself", but realistically you have to bend your own rules for what actually works for you. And you're doing an awesome job as it is.
ReplyDeleteThat's okay. Things change and your midset changes. No biggie.
ReplyDeleteI am the biggest hypocrite in the world. Like Carly said...do what works for you! At least you're following through, that's the most important part. Okay I don't know that for sure but I'm taking super nanny's word for it ;)
ReplyDeleteI am 100 percent with you. I SWORE there would be no TV's in their rooms. Well that went out the window lol. I don't care if I am hypocrite, it is what it is. From this I have learned to not be so judgemental over other peoples parenting. We are all different and there is no "rule" book. You are doing great!
ReplyDeleteGrace!
ReplyDeleteI think all parents are guilty of doing things they said they would never do. We are all allowed to change our minds. You never know how you will react in a situation until you are actually in it! Dont beat yourself up. In the end, you can always blame Howard.
As a parent, we are purpetually learning the 'what and how' our children will react with different types of discipline, and which appropriate punishment or lesson needs to be implemented.
ReplyDeleteAs you know,I don't believe in spanking or raising a hand/beating - this is abusive and not a learning tool. It is loss of parental control. It teaches the wrong type of fear, amongst many other things.
We must use our resources that are available for them to understand the rights from wrongs. Every child is different. As long as they are getting the message being sent, then I say kudos to you! And, from what I have seen so far, this is one bright and well adjusted child and she gets it! Good job Mom & Dad!!!