So the time is drawing nigh for me to learn more about keeping the balance between understanding my kids point of view and not cramming mine down their throats. I can think of several instances with my four and perhaps even with my my fifth kid, where I have had to take a deep breath and remember that their life is not mine. They are not my property. It takes me a little bit longer to process how I am going to discuss various things with them which come up in conversation instead of the straight forward comments which are directed at the younger kids, "I think you have had a little accident darling, please go change your clothes." Life is just not that simple anymore.
Obviously they are different people than I am. My pride in thinking I understand them can muddy the waters of my mind at times and then I have to switch gears to understanding where they are coming from. I also have to patiently listen and understand or at least try to come to an understanding of where they are coming from. I don't always understand but I guess that is okay. Yes. It is okay. I pray for my kids and love them along. I'm not always patient but try like anyone else. I also have been challenging them to think by perhaps parenting in a different way. Learning to ask poignant questions of the younglings is a new skill I am working on. How do I help them to think. They don't have to agree with me but I do want them to think and also be able to see other people's perspective. This is tough.
Funny it has occurred to me that my kids think they understand everything about me too. I am their mother after all and they know me right? Well, actually I can think of several instances lately when I could tell they did NOT understand where I was coming from and ya' know what? That was okay too. The journey just gets more interesting as I go along. I am sure too that I I have not seen the end of this experience and hopefully will learn more from experience.
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