What the…manners?
I saw something last Saturday that made me laugh so hard my sides hurt.
Took the children to T-Ball and cheered my guts out. During the game, two children, a boy and a girl on the opposite team had the ball drop right smack between them. Everyone’s screaming and pointing at them as my daughter runs to first base. Yet these two paused each time the other bend down to pick up the ball. I could hear their faint voices above the roar as I sat on the side lines.
They were offering the ball to each other!
My daughter made it to first base without a hitch and the grownups around me screamed in frustration as I stopped laughing.
Those sweet little kids actually had manners. True blue, honest to goodness manners!
That stuck with me for the rest of the day and up to now a I pondered and smiled, realizing that there are still parents out there (at least two families I know of now) that are still committed to teaching their children the importance of manners and good social graces. Hey, we won’t always be playing baseball, but I assure you those two little kids will always be impressing the parents.
Read MoreDaughter #8
Being apparent is one of the greatest blessings of life. To have best friends born to you as children, to have the opportunity to teach, care for, protect and rear the next generation of the world is a daunting task. However, nothing compares to the new arrival of a child.
My daughter Wynnie arrived this week, daughter number eight. The children were all hoping for another brother, but I watched that perfect little infant turn the hearts of her brothers in moments. They couldn’t be more proud and Simon was beside himself with glee, especially when Wynnie popped him a sweet smile with wide open eyes.
God Bless all of you parents out there, especially if you’re about to have your first child. It’s a challenge, it’s a ride you won’t forget and if you do it right, it’ll be the best experience of your life.
Read MoreTeach them when they’re young.
Last night I had a parents dream and nightmare mixed together. A young man knew my oldest daughter turned 18 last Sunday and he came to our home and asked to court her.
You say: The guy actually asked your permission?
Yup.
You say: Did my daughter know it happened?
Yup. She was sitting there with me, the young man and her mother. I asked him some questions, his intent, and when I got bored, stood up and got something to eat from the kitchen–shouting back “Keep going, I’m listening.”
Now call me old fashioned, weird, a tyrant, it doesn’t matter–because I don’t give a damn what anyone thinks of my choices when it comes to parenting. I will gladly accept support, but not interested in the least when it comes to criticism of the principles I live by. I love my kids. Enough to set bounds, to set rules and to teach them values that will enable them to look back on their lives WITHOUT REGRET.
If I feel it’s getting difficult to be a parent, all I have to do is look at the examples around me. It makes me shutter, slap myself across the face and get my parental priorities straight…especially when a hefty majority of our youth (not even old enough to drive) are off doing who-knows-what, making MANY of them into instant parents! Yeah, they’re ready for that one!
Here’s the clincher for you parents: My daughter sat there in full confidence, appreciation and gratitude, willing to follow my decision with full purpose of heart. Why would that be? She’s not afraid of me. Kathi and I have taught her to think for herself and can hold her own in any debate I’ve engaged in, or listened to.
There are many men who have wanted to get to know my daughter. At the same time, my children are not raised in an environment where prowling predators who cant keep their peters in their pants can get to them. We have a structured household, with strict rules that promote freedom. True freedom. Not chaos. Not promiscuity. Not abuse. Not disrespect. So my daughter knew what i expected of her, and what I will demand of anyone who desires to get close to this family.
This young man knew my rules. He knew I would not bend and you know what? I watched this young man in many situations for the past 3-4 YEARS. There was something about him that I liked, because he was NOT part of my family, but he had similar traits, adhered to most of the same rules, and I got to know his father, his mother, his siblings…all in regular, everyday situations over time, so I had information.
I had a talk with my daughter in private, because her word was the final decision. Though I love her and taught her my will and backed it with the why’s, she’s old enough to take responsibility for herself. Her feelings and desires mean a great deal to me. All I can do is guide at this point.
This was important to her. I felt the same. So did her mother.
My oldest is courting. With my blessing and support.
She has always known what has been expected of her and we have always held her accountable.
How do you interact with your child?
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