Friday, March 30, 2012

Our Children Are Listening

We live in a time where parenting advice is given every which way we turn. Often times, the advice is unsolicited and non-relevant, off the wall, and even bizarre.  Those of you who follow Love Makes A Family on Pinterest, may have already seen that I pinned this exceptionally beautiful blog post from The Maternal Lens.  I love this post for so many reasons, but mostly because it takes us back to simple and pure parenting.  The things that really matter.  I hope that you see the beauty and inspiration in it, just as I did.



{ They are listening }

So, this is part photography blog, and part mommy blog, and with this post I am attempting to give you a taste of both.

I was reading an article today, and found it impossible not to share some of it. Hopefully you will love it as much as I did, and put some or all of it to good use.

With our busy, day to day lives, sometimes it is easy to forget to be really present and 'talk' to our children. Of course they know we love them, but sometimes we forget the things that they need to hear, and hear often.


{19 Things we should say to our Children}

1. I love you! There is nothing that will make me stop loving you. Nothing you could do or say or think will ever change that.

All you need is... (edit)

2. You are amazing! I look at you with wonder! Not just at what you can do, but who you are. There is no one like you. No one!

Is anybody up there?

3. It’s all right to cry. People cry for all kinds of reasons: when they are hurt, sad, glad, or worried; when they are angry, afraid, or lonely. Big people cry too. I do.

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4. You’ve made a mistake. That was wrong. People make mistakes. I do. Is it something we can fix? What can we do? It’s all over. You can start fresh. I know you are sorry. I forgive you.

summer afternoon

5. You did the right thing. That was scary or hard. Even though it wasn’t easy, you did it. I am proud of you; you should be too.

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6. I’m sorry. Forgive me. I made a mistake.

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7. You can change your mind. It’s good to decide, but it is also fine to change.

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8. What a great idea! You were really thinking! How did you come up with that? Tell me more. Your mind is clever!

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9. That was kind. You did something helpful and thoughtful for that person. That must make you feel good inside. Thank you!

Sheriff ²

10. I have a surprise for you. It’s not your birthday. It’s for no reason at all. Just a surprise, a little one, but a surprise.

"It's for you."

11. I can wait. We have time. You don’t have to hurry this time.

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12. What would you like to do? It’s your turn to pick. You have great ideas. It’s important to follow your special interests.

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13. Tell me about it. I’d like to hear more. And then what happened? I’ll listen.

Charlie

14. I’m right here. I won’t leave without saying good-bye. I am watching you. I am listening to you.


15. Please and Thank You. These are important words. If I forget to use them, will you remind me?

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16. I missed you. I think about you when we are not together!

my girl...

17. Just try. A little bit. One taste, one step. You might like it. Let’s see. I’ll help you if you need it. I think you can do it.

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18. I’ll help you. I heard you call me, here I am. How can I help you? If we both work together, we can get this done. I know you can do it by yourself, but I’m glad to help since you asked.

Making cinnamon rolls with Grandma...

19. What do you wish for? Even if it’s not yet time for birthday candles and we don’t have a wishbone, it’s still fun to hear about what you wish for, hope for, and dream about.

The best place to seek God is in the garden.

2 comments:

  1. So true and so beautiful. Thank-you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This totally teared me up... with a now 13 year old to challenge, frustrate, and thrill me on a daily basis some of these realllly hit home. :)

    ReplyDelete

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