Okay, I read all of your posts now. Being a parent is such a hard thing to do, I am completely convinced that it is the hardest job in the world. The best thing that we can do is lead our children by being an example for them. Actions really do speak so much louder than words. You don't want them to do whatever you tell them because then that is how they will be as adults - always looking for someone to follow instead of having their own mind and using it to make decisions. It is really difficult to find that balance between making sure that they are doing the right things/checking in on them and pushing them away into rebellion because the feel like they have no freedom or privacy. I don't know how I will be when my kids are teens, and the thought of them being teens terrifies me. And I know this is really hard, but sometimes they have to make mistakes to learn, and they are going to make mistakes. All we can do is prepare them and teach them to protect themselves so that their mistakes won't effect the rest of their lives and be there when they do fall and encourage them.
I feel like sometimes I can be too controlling with them, my daughter especially. I put such high expectations on her because I don't want her to make the same mistakes... no, she isn't a mistake, but I don't want her to become a mother at an early age. She is a responsible girl, and she is mature but sometimes I feel like I push her too hard. I know that children only raise to the expectations that you give them, but I am afraid that my expectations will make her crack someday. I am so happy that I have Dan, he is such a goofball and is so lighthearted. We are a great compliment to each other and I need to learn from him how to not be so serious and take it easy, but it is so hard because it is completely against my nature when it concerns things that are so important to me, ie my children. It is all about protecting in love for me, but she gravitates towards him because he is so easy and lets her be as silly as she wants. You know what, tonight is going to be game night with the kids. I am feeling inspired! Your talk inspired me to want to do something fun with them!
We will play Sorry until ten and watch movies! :7
Missy
