By Meg Hodson
As a parent, I suppose I question myself everyday in regards to the parenting choices I make. Is that right? Is that wrong? Was I not being sensitive enough? Is this the best choice for my child? I think this is normal. But I can't help but always wonder if what I am doing is making a difference and an impression on my children. It's not like I have an outline I am working from. There's no professor who is going to grade me at the end of the semester. How do I know if it's all SINKING IN?????
We were recently at a gathering of friends when my daughter overheard a conversation. One of the single women in the group was recounting being at a bar and having a gentleman buy her wine. I actually did not hear this conversation word for word, but my daughter did. The next day, she recapped the conversation for me and asked why a boy would do that for a girl at a bar. My answer was that they were probably trying to be friendly and get to know each other a little better. My daughter quickly replied with, "I wouldn't want a boy buying me drinks just because he thought I was pretty."
Now, I am a strong-willed, don't-take-crap-from-anyone kind of person. I suppose this trait is passed to my children in some way, although I don't necessarily go out of my way to have a daily "this is how you kick butt and take names" lesson. So, when my daughter made this statement, I was both surprised and proud. No, we aren't at that age where we are having the boy talk yet. But I have made many statements about possessing an independent mind, striving for any goal you desire, and just being YOU. Somehow, the translation got through; my daughter is well on her way to making smart, sound decisions.
It's a sober reminder that your children are listening to you. If you find yourself being overly negative or critical, pause and remember the young ears in the room. What might seem dismissive to you is taken to heart by your young children.
So parents, when you sit there over your morning coffee and wonder if all your hard work is truly paying off, I can say (at least so far in my case), it is. Keep at it. Be confident in your choices. Your children are listening.
