One thing I've been thinking about lately is how to really teach kids. I remember saying once, "there's no way I'll let my kids do that" or touch that. I've always been kind of a neat freak and cleaning after everybody. I'm used to it, so I figured I would always just take chores upon myself and not bother with making my kids do it. Besides, at this age Brody will do it so that I have to redo it.. (fold laundry, sweep, etc). I was thinking back on my own childhood however when I realized that me doing it all is probably the worst thing a mom can do.
Through my own mother's example I learned how a mother should include her kids in her everyday activities. Even if I can do something on my own (and sometimes would rather do on my own) it's important to teach. Kids are helpers! As much as it would save time to just do things on my own, I let Brody help. Besides, he ASKS to help. This may not last forever(; I've really been enjoying letting Brody help me with things - rather than say, "no.. go play". HE has so much fun with it and I know it's teaching him a lot.
Thinking back, my parents gave me so many opportunities to do things that weren't really "my job". Like, by the time I was 10 I was planting a garden, doing everyones laundry, making chicken cordon bleu, & mowing the lawn. I even remember installing insulation in the attic, scraping paint off the eaves, pushing the rototiller, and changing tires. Even though at the moment it sounds crazy to think I'll have my kids doing some of those things, I know for me it was the best life lesson that my parents gave me so many "responsibilities". I felt like a well rounded, independent person by the time I left for college. I definitely want my kids to feel this way.
Sure letting me nail pieces of wood into our backyard tree meant I'd occasionally smash my finger, but it also meant I was building something- and I felt empowered. My parents did a great job making me feel like I could create and do anything I set my mind to... so thanks to them I'll be doing the same for my kids. It's so important! There are far too many kids leaving the house that don't know how to wash their socks and brown meat! That is a pity, I think.
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I love you kid. I really loved the pictures of you and your boys. Beautiful.