It couldn't get better than this...we have a "free" day, today- no plans, no obligations, no nothing. We (Hodge Podge, Martha, and Buddy) worked our butts off yesterday. We cleaned, decorated, and decluttered this house. We rearranged Buddy's room.
I continue to be blessed by each new revelation given me by my children. I found out that Buddy likes to be neat. He doesn't like messes. Oh, I've known this, but he actually talked with me about it. We had a very adult-like conversation. I have to laugh here because almost every conversation with Buddy is pretty mature. I could say the same about Martha, but she talks so fast and has a mumbling disease (largely caused by braces) that it is hard to understand her sometimes! Teehee! I love you, Martha!!!
Martha is finding out more about herself, too. She has had the opportunity each Thursday to experiment with Art. She has worked on projects at the potter's wheel and she has made mosaics with glass. She just finished sewing squares together for a quilt. I am also blessed to stand by her and watch her discover her own gifts and talents- and to cheer her on!
I want my children to wake up each morning- happy that they are a part of this family and happy to be a child. It has become a new goal. I say "new" because I haven't been very purposeful in this area. It is easy to meet certain needs in a child- needs for clothing, food, education,etc., but I have largely overlooked certain emotional needs. Unfortunately, I am coming to see that meeting these emotional needs is AS important if not MORE important. So, my journey in parenthood has taken a new turn, with new knowledge.
To what or whom do I owe this new enlightenment? I have put myself, very purposefully in fact, in the presence of women who are different from myself. I decided a while ago, that I didn't want to surround myself with clones. It is hard to step out in new directions and to hear new opinions and ideas. However, it is deeply rewarding to do so. It is humbling and immensely gratifying. It keeps you from thinking of yourself as an expert on anything and it forces you to listen to others. I thank all of my Life Learning ladies for their gifts to me.
Friday is here, the week is over, and we can rejoice! Blessings to all of you on your weekend!
Bun Bun
New Hodge Podge Family Member
The Backyard Friend
Hodge Podge's Friend
1 comment:
You hit the nail on the head... It is one thing to meet the physical needs of a child... I think few parents meet the emotional dare I say psychological needs of their children. I think all those things you said about "wanting your children to wake up and be happy about being apart of the family that they are in" is vital to the success of the family unit!
It's NOT about giving them things- not about them getting "their way"... it is about cultivating a sense of belonging to this family in a way that they know they are valued and in turn value the other members of the family.
I pray that each day I will learn one more ounce of wisdom in this area and find ways to work it out in my actions/words/etc.
Also true about what you said: How can you expand your realm of thought and learning when you only let people like yourself into your life... great thing to think about!!
Thanks for the thoughtful read!!!
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