Being a mother is a tough job and is quite often a very thankless job. Sometimes however there is some thanks, a little bit of validation.
Not too long ago I was taking the kids to the store to pick up a few things. I did my usual routine of getting Evan out of the car, placing his hand on the car bumper and telling him sternly that he needed to stay where he was. I then proceeded to get Harry out of his car seat so that we could go into the store. An amazed mother came over to me just as I got Harry out of the car. She complimented me on how well Evan was behaving. She told me that her own son at that age would have run off as soon as she turned her back. The compliment brightened my day and left me with a smile on my face.
We have also been approached at restaurants several times with people complimenting us on how well Evan and Harry behave. Each time it makes me feel good about how I am parenting and disciplining my children. These events have made me more aware of the people around me that are in my daily life. Because of Evan's health issues we have had to deal extensively with doctors, nurses and other wonderful people that do things every day to make out lives go much more smoothly. They lift a lot of the burden off of me by doing their jobs every day. I have started letting them know that I am grateful for the things they are doing for us and I am finding out that as great as getting compliments feels it is even better giving the compliments. The joy I am feeling is magnified even more. If you are feeling down or frustrated give it a try and see how wonderful you will feel making someone else feel good.
Gratuitous kid picture
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15 comments:
Great post ... made me smile too!! I am glad you received such a great compliment!
They are cute. I congratulate you on having such well behaved kids. Wishing you loads of luck and happiness. love the look of your blog.
Peep into my blog on friendship greeting cards for some beautiful e-greeting cards and friendly tips.
I've received similar compliments on my kids' behavior. Nothing can lift you from a down day as a simple compliment from a stranger (or non-stranger!) I need to do more giving of compliments, too. Thanks for the reminder :)
Like the new digs!!!
And you are living uptoyour monniker...
You really are an AWESOME MOTHER!!!
Could the boys be any cuter????
I love receiving compliments on Mr. P's behavior as well. It is so interesting how I react to them, like you said, that I am being validated. Good but weird in a way.
very cool. thanks!
I need to remember to give compliments more often, because it does feel great to receive them and give them!
I hadn't seen the new look yet...I like!
Good boys are a gift from God. Bad boys are not allowed to come to my house to play because they break my kid's toys.
Your boys could come over anytime.
What always makes me laugh is that those compliments always come, for me, when my kids are NOT being as well-behaved as they could be... I guess it serves to remind me that they really aren't bad kids. ;)
Aw. Did you tell the complimenter that you are an awesome (sometimes) mother? Hee hee ;)
Love that pic of the boys. They look like they play so well together.
Good idea to voice those compliments! I'm a quiet person and I often think complimentary thoughts but forget to say them.
Thanks for this. I was able to use it as an example in our ladies group last night.
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 17:22
I am working on the parking lot thing these days. I hope I have as much success as you did.
I will also remember to compliment other moms. That's a good idea.
So great. You really are an Awesome Mom!
Sometimes when I am feeling frustrated with how my boys are not listening to me at home, I've reminded myself that when we are out in public they generaly do behave very well, same goes for when they are at friend's house. I guess that shows they are learning "proper" behavior and use it when in the public eye. Too bad they couldn't use some of it at home :(! Still makes me feel good in a backwards kind of way.
External validation is VERY nice sometimes -- especially when it's well-deserved. Go you!
I read Evans story, it brought hope. Our newest niece is three month old and suffering from heart defects, failure to thrive and now pneumonia. She is the sixth born in her family, and their life is in an uproar. Your boys are beautiful and I'm so glad Evan is such a strong guy! Claira's story is linked under "blogs" on my page: Bless her heart.
We are all so worried right now, I was touched by his story.
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