I don’t have to go into detail about all the things we do for our kids. I’ve never counted, but I’d estimate it is probably in the hundreds every day. From helping them with homework, to cooking them meals, to kissing them goodnight- it is never ending. I also don’t have to go into detail about how 99% of the things we do, we are never thanked for. It comes with the territory. But with all the countless things I do for my kids, and behavior corrections, “Ryan, don’t speak to your brother like that. Cole, sit still and focus on your homework. “Boys, for the last time, pick up your Legos!”
I really wonder at times if my kids are “getting it.”
I’ve resorted to using the line, my mom always used, “Do you think I’m telling you X to hear myself talk?”
This usually has proceeded something I told them not to do, which they did anyway, and resulted in someone being hurt, or something being broken.
Yesterday, when I picked up the boys at their new school’s after school day care program, which they have been at for a total of 3.5 days, the director, I’ll call him Mr. Tom, came up to me and asked,
“Are Ryan and Cole good at home- do they behave?”
Immediately, I wondered what they broke, or who they had hurt. I braced myself for bad news.
“Generally yes, they have their moments like most kids- why did they do something?” I replied to Mr. Tom.
“Yes, they did. I can’t believe how well behaved they are. They are the best kids. We were supposed to have 60 kids this afternoon, but due to some absences, we weren’t that full, but nevertheless, it was busy, and the kids were loud, and not behaving. But Ryan and Cole were sitting just like I had asked, doing exactly what I had asked- the very first time. They were the only ones who did. In fact, I told the rest of the kids, if they had questions on proper behavior, or what they are supposed to be doing, watch Ryan and Cole, because they are doing it,” Mr. Tom told me.
I can’t describe how proud I was in that minute. It was like a pay day for me. All the work- all the thankless hours I’ve invested in them since the day they were born, someone noticed, and appreciated it. I was so proud of the boys for being good and doing what they were supposed to, even when I wasn’t around. Even though they don’t seem to “get it” at times, I learned today they do. I don’t think there is anything better for a parent, to learn your kids have retained the good stuff.
I told the boys how proud I was of them. They asked me to email certain people to tell them, but I thought I would surprise them too, and show them their good behavior made my blog- on the Internet. 😉
I know there is a lot more work and a long way to go before they are responsible adults, but it was a nice realization that parenting efforts do pay off.
Now, if I can just get them to pick up their Legos!