Don't I Do Anything Right Mom ?

"Love and respect are the most important aspects of parenting, and of all relationships."~Jodie Foster~

DON'T I DO ANYTHING RIGHT, MOM?

By Mary Emma Allen

Midst the frenzied life we so often lead, we sometimes forget thoseclosest to us when we're practicing patience, handing out smiles, or passing praise around.

This was brought home to me when my daughter was about 8 years old (about 25 years ago) and has stuck with me ever since.

We're constantly telling children to hurry up, slow down, pick up, put down, come here, go away without any thought to how it seems to them.

At that time in our lives, my husband and I were stressed by struggles with our business, and I took on quiltmaking at home as well to help meet the bills.

One day as I was trying to meet a deadline on a quilt order, I reprimanded my daughter, then continued with my sewing.

Beth stopped what she was doing and looked  at me.

"Mom," she said, capturing my attention, "don't I ever do anything right?"

I stopped in mid stitch and looked at this lovely child.

"What am I doing?" I thought.

I dropped the quilt, got up from my chair and hugged her close.

"Of course you do, Beth.  You do more things right than wrong." She smiled and went her way.

But it made me stop and think...then and many times over the years as Beth grew up and now has two children who all  live with us.

Why is it that we sometimes are so impatient with those closest to us, that we don't stop to praise, to encourage, to inspire? 

Why is it that we so often take them for granted, but will give attention and praise to others?

I find with my grandchildren I've learned to be less impatient, less stressed, and more in tune to their world.

I try to look at things from their viewpoint and glimpse a new perspective.

We learn that our children do many things right and with our praise, patience, and smiles will bring great joy to our lives.