But sometimes, sometimes, and maybe even often, I make good parenting choices. Recently a few things happened that were evidence of some of that.
The other day Rocky and I were talking about eternal families. He told me that he is so glad we have such a great family and that he is so thankful for his brother. He siad, "I'm really starting to feel like Austin is my really truly best friend and that he really loves me and I really love him." It was such a great thing to hear.
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And on Monday night Rocky was teaching our family home evening lesson and he chose the topic of prayer. It was so nice to hear him share his personal experiences with praying to his Father in Heaven and with listening for answers. It is awesome to see spiritual growth in your children.
Last night Austin and I had a long talk about the choices he is making in his teenage years and the progress I've seen. In recent months I've really seen him trying to avoid situations of temptation and making wise choices. I was checking his text messages one day and came across one to a girl he knows that he had invited over for that swim party they had a few weeks back. In his text to her he said, " You will probably want to wear a one piece swimsuit, because, well, I'm mormon, and that's our standard. You will be more comfortable and so will I." I was glad to see that he is sharing his standards with others. Last night as we talked I could just sense a great peace with him. He shared with me that he feels happy when he chooses the right. We probably talked for a good hour or so about these things.
Those are the mom paydays. I love my kids!
7 comments:
I think one of the reasons you can have such natural and honest conversations with your kids, and most importantly, that they will listen to you is because you are so real with them.
A while back you posted about a joke that you and Austin shared that most parents would shy away from. I think because they know you can laugh about anything and don't get too worked up about the small stuff, they will pay attention when you are serious. And I bet your kids have NO secrets from you. They know they can tell you anything and you won't flip out.
I think the world is very aggressive in it's attack on our children, we need to be just as aggressive in our defense. I think your defense is wonderful.
I have always admired your strong testimony and the way you teach your children. You are a fine example to all.
Kristen, you are so great! You are right, that is a total Mom Pay Day! I love knowing that my nephews are growing up and defending their standards... sometimes I wonder how my own kids will do that in such a different environment (being the only LDS kids...)
It is awesome that they are so close and consider themselves best friends!
You are definitely doing something right as far as parenting them! I can't count how many times I have looked over a note you wrote me when I asked about talking to my kids about "where babies come from". You were so thoughtful, insightful and considerate. I have really tried to follow your lead because being open and honest is so crucial.
You ROCK. :)
Thank you so much. I think I do have a great relationship with my kids and they are comfortable with me. And I think they like me, not because I joke about things that other parents wont touch, but because I listen to them and know what they are joking about and whats important to them.
Robin, I've heard Austin say that little line before, that you refered to in your comment, and after that incident we did talk about it, and how it is inappropriate, and I felt sorry that I had given him the impression that it is okay to say things that are construed in a way as to make something innocent become sexual. He knows I'm not perfect and now he knows that is something I am working on, and he has chosen to work on that very same issue (that little one liner, as well as saying other inappropriate things).
Thank you Robin and Melissa, for your nice comments. Sometimes we need to hear even from others that we are doing a good job.
Kristen, I loved this post. You are good at balancing things in life like humorous and serious things, that speaks to your childrens' hearts and my heart and others.
I think that sometimes people thing parenting errors are only like when one loses their templer and yells at their kids--but sometimes it is funnier, like the dragonfly story--or the one liner, and those are mistakes that we make as parents. But you turn those into teaching moments, for yourself (how you admit and realize your mistake) and for your kids.
One of the blessings I am so grateful with kids is how forgiving and understanding they are. If only adults could be more that way. I will (after a stressful, sleep deprived day, and rarely) feel so terrible after raising my voice at my child, and say something like, "I'm sorry I used a loud voice, will you forgive me? I will try not to do that next time I feel frustrated." and they're so forgiving! I should be more like that.
P.S. Your boys are super darn cute! I love the photos, especially the swim trunks one.
1. Love that you checked his text messages. Good Mom.
2. I think your some may be a saint/angel rather than a boy who loves immodest girls. Sally is always telling me what a great mom you are. I believe her.
Please post how you told your kids about sex. And their ages. Mine are 8, 6, and 6 and they may be ready for a little intro. We've already covered periods.
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