Content about one thing anyway...

[lisamoe]

Tonight I went and saw Dingo in a play, which he did a great job in. Jesse ran the lights for the whole show, his first time doing tech, and he did it perfectly, not a missed cue. I was thinking on the way home about how proud I am of them and then I started thinking of how much I have had to defend my parenting. Not to my family, they're awesomely supportive, but to other moms, people I work with, etc.

So I've had a lot of dire predictions about how my kids would turn out because they come from a "broken home", plus I don't spank EVER, didn't potty train them by 2, breastfed them "too long," don't make them to go to church, and am too frank with them about money, sexuality, relationships and how the world works. I let them see movies with bad language and Will Ferrell, and I don't force them to eat foods they don't like or go to bed without supper. Sometimes I let them eat dessert first, and I let them have too much computer time and TV. I know, TERRIBLE parenting.

Yet they're turning out to be good people I'm proud to know. They're not mean, they don't cuss inappropriately despite those movies, they're kind and thoughtful and like to please the people they love, they like to read, they try hard at what they set out to do if it's important to them, and they're honest. People are more important to them than things, they share readily, and they do what's right because they know it's right, not because they're terrified of punishment. When they do make mistakes or do something wrong, they'll apologize and correct themselves if it's pointed out to them, no hitting required. And they're funny. My lord, they are really funny. I LOVE spending time with them because we can't hardly go 5 minutes without someone saying something hilarious.

And they still hug me and say "I love you, mom" even when their friends are watching.

It's weird, huh? I did it all wrong but through some miracle they turned out just the way I wanted. :-)

Comments

[jorjedatoy.livejournal.com]

You are inspiring! And I'm glad I've never chastised your parenting, but then why would I?? We've made at least some of the same choices.

[lisamoe.livejournal.com]

Thanks Jorje!

[msbyn.livejournal.com]

Fitting into someon else's box is never the "right" way and you parented on purpose, which IS the right way. All those dire people are the ones feeling uncomfortable because they aren't sure that THEY are doing the right thing. You have wonderful kids, and its not just a happy accident. They have a wonderful mom who thinks instead of being a sheeple.

[lisamoe.livejournal.com]

Oh my gosh Byn, I never thought of it that way, but I am "parenting on purpose." Whatever I've done, good or bad, hasn't ever been an accident. I have put some thought into it all.

They may still surprise me and go wrong somewhere along the way, you never know what can happen in the long run, but for now I feel like they're on track to being really decent people.

[msbyn.livejournal.com]

lol. I just had a convo with Sprite last night about how most of the 'weird' things I've done have been for a reason, and that as she gets older and has her own kids, she'llbgin to realize how the things I did were a concious CHOICE for a reason, not just because I was weird:)

[eightdaysofrain.livejournal.com]

I've only ever known you through here... but to be honest from day one I think what I always thought you've never said you were "right". you're honest with your kids, you support them in what they do,

Oh its not a broken home, you seem to do really well with your ex and your partner, they have contact, they know they are loved and they have support from all angeles from what I read. Thats more than any kid might get in a home where people stay together and probably fight like cat and dog.

Your kids are great because you are great. Be proud. very proud.

[servicesoul.livejournal.com]

I think we have the same goals with our children. To teach them to grow into responsible, contributing members of society; to know right from wrong; to do the right thing simply because it is right. You should be proud of your boys, and yourself.