Topic: Taking a moment (Read 8645 times)

Taldren_Admin · « **on:** February 12, 2004, 12:11:45 pm »

I am a very busy person. A work-aholic by nature. I get dug into things that I do and loss all sense of time and perspective sometimes. Yesterday someone took the time to look me in the eyes and tell me that they really appreciated me and thanked me for being around. This was completely out of the blue and made me take a step back and smile.

I have 4 children. Two kids in college one in high school and a forth grader. I love my kids intensely but I recognized last night that while I have spent time with my children, hugged them fed them helped them with their homework, I hadn't looked them in the eyes lately and told them that they are wonderful, or told them that they are amazing and can do anything. So last night I did just that. The response I got was mixed.
My oldest (my daughter) told me that she thought I was wonderful too, then thanked me for the reminder.
My oldest son asked me if I had hit my head on something and went back to doing his homework (with a smile on his face though).
My high-schooler told me that he was quite aware that he was all that AND a bag of chips and wondered why I was just figureing that out.
My youngest just smiled and cuddled with me for a very long time.

The point?
Kindness, self appreciation and appreciation for others begins at home. I just wanted to remind those parents out there the same thing that I was reminded of last night. It isn't enough to assume that your kids know that they are remarkable human beings, unique with a lot to offer the world. Sometimes you need to take a moment and drive the point home.
BTW, this isn?t just for kids. Have you told a friend or co-worker something nice out of the blue lately? Who knows you may be inspiring greatness by doing so.

I wanted to thank the person who helped me remember this so I thought the best way to do that was to pass it on.

Ann

P.S. you may now scrape the cheesy fluff off of your monitor.

Toasty0 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 12, 2004, 12:38:21 pm »

I looked my 18 year old in the eye last night and offered to buy him a travel bag. Does that count?

Very nicely said Ann. All of us should consider your post.

Best,
Jerry

TalonClaw · « **Reply #2 on:** February 12, 2004, 01:23:37 pm »

Quote:

I looked my 18 year old in the eye last night and offered to buy him a travel bag. Does that count?

Very nicely said Ann. All of us should consider your post.

Best,
Jerry

Perhaps a bit of quality time could turn that around. But 18, hormones going absolutely nuts, wanting to be independent but still have your Dad proud of you. Pushing the limits and testing Mom and Dad's authority. Girls, peer pressure. Lots going on there. You may have roughness between you but with most kids deep down they appreciate your attention. Maybe try taking him away on a trip to a neutral place and spend time with him.

I've got 4 kids. I'm lucky the oldest are girls more interested in school than being bad girls. My son's main concern is how to take out Germany before they get V2 rockets in Empire Dawn of the Modern world. My son still thinks I'm a hero. I hope that lasts a while.

Sirgod · « **Reply #3 on:** February 12, 2004, 01:25:35 pm »

Very good post Ann. Something we should all do more often.

Stephen

Sethan · « **Reply #4 on:** February 12, 2004, 01:37:54 pm »

Very Good post, Ann.

I'm going to put a link to this over in Hot and Spicy. It isn't hot and spicy - but I think a lot of the people there who don't visit here could get some benefit from it.

Blyre · « **Reply #5 on:** February 12, 2004, 01:46:08 pm »

That was a wonderful post, Ann, and I thank you for writing it. I don't have any children yet, but when the day comes that that happens, I will remember your words and use them.

However, I do have friends and I always try to let them know how much they are appreciated. The responses are well worth the effort.

Wallace

Scott Allen Abfalter · « **Reply #7 on:** February 12, 2004, 02:16:20 pm »

Wonderful sentiments. Parents really do need to take that extra time, it's worth far more than they realize.

NJAntman · « **Reply #8 on:** February 12, 2004, 05:36:50 pm »

I can't yet tell my son that at 4yrs old and be certain he realizes what it means. But I was recenty blessed with the inconveneince of not having day-care available for him on Wednesdays. End result, my job is more flexible than my wife's so I now do 4/10 and get Wednesday home with him. Those other four days are rough and leave little time to do much besides put him to bed. But Wednesday is great, other then honey-do chores we get an entire day to play and go places.

I'll miss that when kindergarten starts; hope I remember your post next Wednesday, I'll give him an extra hug.

Taldren_Admin · « **Reply #10 on:** February 12, 2004, 06:59:49 pm »

Came home a bit early from work today to find that my son had hacked into my computer. I set a challenge for him to see if he could get past my defenses. He did (or so I thought). He rewarded me by changing all of the paths to my shortcuts so they open the wrong files or programs...VERY funny (she says with a great deal of sarcasm).

So I asked him how he did it. He mumbled the things he tried and failed then said that he simply figured out my password. His name.

So much for encouraging him...I think he is getting a bit too big for his breaches.

HAHAHHAHAHHAA

thank you for your feedback, it's good to know that I am not the only one trying to keep perspective.

Ann

Capt Jeff · « **Reply #11 on:** February 13, 2004, 05:41:23 am »

Great words of advice. I'll keep them in mind as I don't have any children yet

I think the reverse can be said as well. I think it's really rewarding to a parent to have a adult child tell them their love and care is appreciated.

I visit my parents once a week for a few hours (they live in the next town about 30 miles from me). On one visit, something special happened. As I was walking out the door towards my car, we were talking about playing the lottery which had grown into the 100's of millions. I said " I wish I could win all that money". And she asked "what would you do with all that money?" I said " I would hire the best doctors in the world". "For what", she said. I responded back by saying " So they can learn how to keep you alive forever, as I can't imagine living a day without you being here for me".

She burst into tears. I will never ever forget that moment....

Scott Allen Abfalter · « **Reply #15 on:** February 13, 2004, 12:46:18 pm »

Names as passwords is a very bad idea.....

KRolling · « **Reply #19 on:** February 18, 2004, 08:52:16 am »

<run into bathroom, leans over the sink, and looks intensely at mirror>

You are a wonderful person.

I really appreciate you.

<billy crystal voice> You look MARVELOUS!! !</billy crystal voice>

You're good enough, you're smart enough, and dog gone it, people like you!!!!!

PS. Good post, Ann.

News:

Topic: Taking a moment (Read 8645 times) var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true};

Taldren_Admin

Toasty0

TalonClaw

Sirgod

Sethan

Blyre

Sirgod

Scott Allen Abfalter

NJAntman

Spirit

Taldren_Admin

Capt Jeff

Sirgod

Sethan

Taldren_Admin

Scott Allen Abfalter

Sethan

Taldren_Admin

Toasty0

KRolling

Topic: Taking a moment (Read 8645 times)