The scariest and most amazing thing in the world.
I’m in charge of these two.
I’m responsible for them and I have a finite period of time in which to teach them the fundamentals of morals, manners, responsibilities, compassion, giving, loving, fairness holy cow the list goes on
Who put me in charge????
I think one of the most amazing and frightning aspects of parenting, at least for me, is that most of the time I don’t feel like a grown up and yet, I’m responsible for them.
One of the greatest gifts that we can give our children in addition to morals, work ethic, manners and a sense of responsibility for one’s actions is the ability to see outside yourself, to realize that the world doesn’t revolve around you and that one of the best gifts you can do for yourself and others is to give back.
‘Go Big or Go Home’
I know you’ve heard it. It’s the rally cry of our generation, however there are times, especially with young children that I think laying a foundation of charity and giving is best begun small and at home.
I’m a firm believer that it’s the little things in life that make the biggest impression.
It’s the smile and nod of understanding from a stranger in the grocery store when your children are losing their minds.
It’s the stranger in front of you paying your toll.
It’s your spouse taking your hand as you cross the street.
It’s your young son holding the door open for a stranger.
My husband and I work very hard to give our children the tools that will make them respectful, compassionate and aware.
At 4 and 7 there are many things they can do and many they can’t.
In order to do the best we can to ensure that our children are well rounded and aware, my husband and I try to teach them how to give back and to serve in ways that they can do daily.
- Leaving the beach cleaner than we found it on our weekly trips
- Opening the door for those coming towards you
- Pulling a cart out at the grocery store for the person behind you in line
- Finding the child playing alone on the playground and inviting them to play with you and your friends
- Every few months we go through their closets and they choose toys and clothes to donate to local shelters and foster care services. THEY choose what goes and we talk about why we donate, where the toys and clothes are going and what a difference it will make.
We try to show them through our own actions how to live a life that impacts others.
My husband and I believe that by teaching our children to practice a life filled with service at a young age that they’ll grown into adults who serve with joy.
How do you teach your children about service?
“I am participating in VolunteerSpot’s Summer of Service series!
VolunteerSpot is a time-saving website that makes it easy to organize parents and
volunteers with free online sign up sheets. Use it to coordinate almost anything –
classroom helpers and parties, school carnivals and fundraisers, swim team and
soccer snacks, service projects, neighborhood events, and more!”
We feel the same. In our household we have a motto…givers gain. Meaning it’s better to give than receive.
I love that. That’s exactly it.
being a parent is hard, hard work – and i don’t think you understand that until you actually become a parent; lead by example – if you’re cussing and swearing and angry all the time, guess what? you’ll have children who will model that. respect your neighbors, speak kindly, don’t judge and you’ll raise children who will be kind, gracious, loving and who want to give back. you’re a good mom!
I agree 100% Thank you so much for understanding and leaving your perspective!
There is no manual for parenting and personally, I think that’s a good thing for if there was one we’d probably be more stressed as parents worrying even more that our kids weren’t growing up “by the book.” Each child is different and as long as we provide a good moral foundation for them throughout their growing years we can trust that they will always come back to that throughout their lifetime. Parenting takes an endless amount of love (unconditional) and a ton of common sense. As long as we teach them to always respect and care about and for others, for themselves and for the world that they inhabit then we have laid the groundwork for responsible citizens of it. Your children are blessed in having the parents that they do.
Paula, I think you leave the best comments. You’re such a treasure, thank you.
Amen, girl. You said it and you said it well! I feel exactly as you do and want to instill that same kind of motivation and heart in my own children.
And seeing your oldest reminds me of a certain picture I have of her and Abby, holding hands that day years ago at the aquarium. Precious!
AWWWW <3 That day was so fun!
And that is one of the many reasons why you are supermom…
I remember shortly after my first child reached two, I went for days thinking, “Why are there no classes for this? I need a degree. Years of training. A couple how-to manuals. And a drink.”
My only comfort was knowing that God put these little ones in my care. And He doesn’t make mistakes.
Thanks for posting! I love that you let your kids pick what toys they donate. What a great teaching tool! Awesome!
Exactly.. ” training manuals and a drink” YES
Thank you!
You know you’re doing a good job when your child bumps into a piece of furniture and apologizes.
I love that, Sherry. SO sweet!
I don’t have any kids yet but these are the things I worry about! I feel like a kid myself still so how I am supposed to be responsible for the life and well-being of a child? Yikes! But I can’t wait to have kids. Sounds like you are doing a fine job of instilling great values in them. I wanted to let you know about my cookbook giveaway that is going on right now until July 16th. Stop on by to enter! Hope you are having a great week 🙂
http://steaknpotatoeskindagurl.blogspot.com/2011/07/my-first-giveaway.html
Thank you, Desi.
Well said, Rachel! Little things mean a great deal. You wrote a great article!
Thank you, Kristen!