from the mom
My friend Amy grew up with a mother who had a spotless house and never played with her kids. And so even though she works full-time she has vowed to be a mom who does fun things with her kids.
Over the weekend she invited my kids over to do a Thanksgiving craft. She bought all the stuff and they made turkey votives, complete with fancy little battery-operated lights that look like votives but won't burn the tissue paper they used to make the turkeys. Ben and Kyri thought it was the best.
I HATE crafts. I hate making a mess. When I cook, I clean as I go so when I'm done the kitchen is already clean except for what we are serving the meal on. (Beyond that and my housekeeping abilities break down.)
But I was reinspired by Amy's project. So yesterday we baked peppermint brownies together. The kids measured and mixed and used the beaters.
Today we made playdough. It was messy but once again I did something that made me feel like a good mother. And in my moments of contemplation I have realized that I put more value on some things I do as a mother than others. My own mother was wonderful at playing with us, reading to us, and letting us participate. These things are not my parenting strengths but I recognize their value because they were meaningful to my childhood. So I continue on, doing better on some days than others.
2 comments:
I totally believe everything you say about your mom when you guys were growing up. We were over there a few nights ago (making the place internet-ready for M&M) and we pointed out a huuuge spider on her wall. I offered to let Jonathan kill it (wasn't that nice of me?) and she said, "Oh, let's get out the magnifying glass and look at it first because that will be more fun!" Joshua LOVED it and has been talking about "Ben's Grammy" and the "big spider" ever since!
I'm not always good at finding the "teachable moments" and fun activities - even though I do try. I have much to learn.
I too had the Mom with the clean house which was a miracle with five kids. But we played with each other and friends. Not so much with Mom. Keep on trying R: the more you do it, the easier it will be maybe. And, need I remind you again, you are a great mom!!
Judy
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