Ok, this made me cry tonight. I have not been giving my kids enough of me. Not in the perfectionistic way, like I should be so much more. They don't care about my own self-judging measuring stick. They just want me, as I am, to wake up, come out of the fog and witness their priceless spirits. Let me know what you think...
http://creativewithkids.com/you-know-what-will-ruin-my-kids/
ReplyDeleteOkay this has slightly blown my mind. (Is it possible for your mind to be slightly blown?) I was expecting this to be another article about the usual putting the unimportant things away to focus on the essential. But this goes beyond that. Sometimes when I read the former type articles, my mind gets filled with the "shoulds and shouldn'ts". But perhaps a more immediate and arguably more important method is focusing on the mom traits that are already built within you. And remembering that these traits are unique, and will not always be found in the mom down the street. But your children were sent to YOU for a reason. There are things that come naturally to us that our children desperately need, but those things often get put on the back burner to make room in our brains for the the "shoulds and shouldn'ts" chatter.
Sometimes I think I need to stop thinking so much about creating the perfect ideal environment. And just be me. And somehow my children will get what they need. Keeping open to constant improvement, of course, but not letting those thoughts suffocate me and--quite frankly-- stop me from going anywhere at all.
Thanks for sharing Em. You've always got great gems for us up your sleeve.
I guess it takes me leaving my kids for a couple days for me to take the time to read thought-provoking articles like this. I'm sorry it has taken me so long! I really like the thought of reflecting upon those attributes, qualities and quirks that make up ME and realizing that these personality built-ins just might be what my children need most. Certainly the ability to be PRESENT with our children is vital, and I've been working on making sure my kids feel seen and heard. Thanks Em. I feel recharged and ready to resume mommy-hood.
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