I love it when everyone climbs in bed together in the morning. It is something I used to do with my parents and so many good conversations stemmed from it.Sometimes I sit back and think about my kids' childhoods. Is their's as good as mine? I do have some memories I wish were different but for the most part, It was wonderful.
I know I was loved. I laughed alot. I knew my parents loved me. Holidays were filled with happy memories and great food.
It was always my job as a kid to make the popcorn every Sunday for Shirly Temple time. We also watched Disney every Sunday. At least I did. I don't know about the rest of the fam.
I used to put baggies on my dolls with rubber bands around the ankles for snow boots. My little sister and I would throw them into the snow drifts and then go hunting for them. We each had 5 children. One of mine was an elephant and one of hers was a monkey. I also had My friend Mandy, Suzie Sunshine, A baby, Aurthur the elephant and one other I can't remember now.
I loved my 4th grade teacher Miss Anderson. I was so scared and she actually kissed me on the cheek on the first day of school and I was devoted ever since. She came to all my piano recitals and she made me feel smart and important. That kiss would never go over now days.
I wish I could be a fly on the wall and go through the day with my children. See what they see. Feel what they feel. What are they experiencing when I am not there? Are they always going to want to get in bed with me in the morning? I pray they will.
I have started a new tradition in our home. Every night, When I tuck the kids in bed, I lay with them for the number of minutes as their age. So with J, I lay and talk with him for 10 min. with S for 7, with H for 4 and Gabe gets 2.
It has turned out to be a wonderful experience where we get to really talk privately with no inturruptions. I get to know each of them in a different way than during the busy day. It is something that is hard for me just a little because I have to sacrifice my favorite tv shows in the evening. Yes, I admit it. I am addicted to tv. Anyway, this helps and makes some great memories. Thank you S (my sister) for the idea. You have made a difference in our lives.
May all of you make a new change that allows you to grow closer to your families. It is something you will not regret.
6 comments:
I consider, as any day draws to an end, where my kids are not wrapped in duct tape, to be a success.
Does that count?
*Grin*
I have found two things that work best for me. One is dinner time. Each kid is assigned a night of the week, and they are responsible completely for planning buying the groceries and preparing their meal. For taht night (We shop once a week, together)
The time I spend with them in the kitchen teaching them cooking skills and chattering about their day, is priceless. I have learned so much about them, during this time, and I think they have learned a little about me.
Also in addition to family home evening, which we have been holding RELIGOUSLY for a year now. We have family game night on Thursday.
Everyone MUST attend.
Those are really good times.
I really do think my kids are happy!
Those are great ideas! I am going to do the cooking thing when the kids are a little older. We have been bad where family night is concerned! We need to do better!
I love that the dog is in bed with you!
I miss the days when my boys were climbing in bed with us. They are now in the challange years. (they are in their 20's). I just love the picture. The younger years are priceless
What a great picture!! I love those times with my kids. It feel so good to have the ones I love most snuggled up with me.
I do that as well. And I also got that from my sister :-) I try to lay with them each night and ask them: What did you enjoy about today? It's been great and both my kids fight over who gets to ask Mom :-)
I forgot to add, the best and worst thing. I think that helps start not just a personal discussion, but brings us closer as a family.
At the dinner table, we go around the table and everyone has to say their best part of the day and their worst part of the day.
This didn't go over well at first, but... it has grown on us, and now, we just start, with out any.. sort of prompting.
It works well and the family themselves, know more about each other.
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