I'm that mom who is my children's friend.
Why? Because being their friend means I take their needs - and their wants! - seriously; I listen to them when they speak; if they seem out of sorts, I help them figure out what's wrong rather than blaming their feelings on moodiness or selfishness; I ask for their help but don't have expectations that they'll give it; I don't interrupt them - or I look for an appropriate time to - when they're busy doing something important to them.
I am my children's friend because if they have an interest I don't quite jibe with, I don't tell them it's stupid or ban it from our home, I celebrate their happiness with it. If they're slow getting ready to go somewhere, I see what I can do to help, I don't stand at the door and yell. I happily prepare meals for them, even if they could prepare it themselves, because I know it says "love" to them when I do so.
I am my children's friend because I give them space to explore their own values, I don't expect them to share mine. I don't tell them what they should eat, and I don't say things like, "There's no way you could be hungry!"
I am my children's friend because I am their mom.
Blogpost inspired by this post. And this one. edited to add: There are many links to other entries in comments on both of those links!
9 comments:
Oh, yeah - I'm that mom, too.
That is so beautiful, Caren! You are an amazing friend to have. <3
Oh Caren I so needed to hear this today! Thank you!
Too right!
I do love this, Caren.
That's perfect, Caren. :) Love it.
Wonderful mom! I got all excited when I saw the picture of you all in front of North Market. That is my favorite place to eat. My sister lives about 10 minutes from there.
Awesome, of course! I will see YOU in October!
@Rana - That's from our trip to Ohayocon last winter, an anime convention in Columbus. I included that picture because it took some arranging, but we managed the trip so Evan could meet some online friends of his! At one point early on in parenting, I *so* wouldn't have supported his computer time - and it's such a big part of his interests and passions. It was a big YES, that I wouldn't have found without unschooling. (and, I *LOVED* North Market!)
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