The Best Kids

I've got the best kids in the world! We're hard on them I admit, but when I see and hear about other kids out there, I'm really glad I have mine. Sometimes we watch the show Nanny 911 and they tell me, "See mom, we're not nearly that bad! And you know what, they really aren't though I realized those are extreme examples. We were watching the show The Worlds Strictest Parents and they said those parents had nothing on us! They're 15 and 16 now, but even when they were little, people always complimented us on their good behavior.

My youngest (he was about 3 or 4 at the time) went to Dollar Tree with me and as we approached to checkout counter his eyes were glued to all the candy. We had a ton of people behind us and all I had was just a few dollars to make my purchase. He pulled on my bag and said, "Mom can we get some candy?" Of course I had to tell him no, and you know what that kid did in front of all those people? He said, "OK. Maybe next time I guess." I'm not lying, he really said that! You should have heard the gasps. When I got up to the counter the cashier she was shocked to see how calm he remained when I said no and that she couldn't believe he didn't go into a fit since she sees that almost everyday. I was proud of him, though not surprised. I've always gotten great compliments on their behavior. Most people would say that I'm bragging since we were the ones that taught them but the truth is I can't take all the credit. In any situation where learning is involved, while there is the responsibility of the teacher to teach well and to stimulate a desire for learning, much of the result is based on how much the pupil is willing to learn and put into practice. It is to that end, their participation in that learning process, that I'm extremely proud.

Does this mean they are perfect kids? Absolutely not! There are many things they need to work on, but isn't that true of all of us? I'm just glad that the things they need to work on aren't things that have me calling the police or having the sheriff department know us by name! I've homeschooled them since they were in Kindergarten so they've always been with me. Many people ask how I could stand to have them around all the time and don't I need a break sometimes. Well I do get breaks from them when they have other activities that they are engaged in or when the visit friends, but the truth is, I'm always looking forward to them coming back. I actually miss them! They are quite entertaining. Now that they are older, they're gone more and for a longer periods of time. That's part of growing up and I'm fine with that. I'm just glad that they like it at home and are glad to be back.

It's said that it takes hundreds of thousands of dollars to raise one child to the age of 18. But having them thank you for being home with them and loving them... well that's priceless. Raising great children is not all in a day's work. It's a lifetime commitment, but one that brings great blessings and for which I'm extremely thankful I had the opportunity to do!

Until next time,
It's just me!