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Parenting Praise

Luke had a dentist appointment after school on Tuesday. Since I was at work, he rode his scooter. Later, I received this message via Facebook from the dental assistant:

Janelle I hope this isn’t weird to you. I work for Kip Jones I’m not sure if you’d even remember me.
Anyway, I was working today when your not so little Luke came in. I just wanted to tell you how impressed I was with him. What an outstanding boy you have, incredibly happy, upbeat, positive and respectful boy. I was so impressed by the spirit he carries; not only did I notice but so did the other ladies in our office.

I couldn’t help but think “gosh dang his mom is doing something (probably lots of things) right! 
Just thought you might want to know how amazing you are and how amazing he is.
If you wanna ever mom tutor me, I have three boys and I would be so proud to have my kids behave and have the confidence Luke has.

I replied:

Oh my gosh! How could anyone think such a thoughtful compliment weird? Your kind words made both mine and Luke's day! And of course I remember you!

Thank you for taking such good care of my boy. He had a splendid time at the dentist and is super pumped that he might be getting his braces off next month. 

So, to answer your question, I wish I could claim part in his epicness, but that would be me only placating my ego. Truth be told, he's a noble soul. Heck, we all are! Some of us just take a little longer to develop. But what are timelines in eternity anyway? We are all going to end up perfected someday right?

So my only advice for mothers is to simply love and accept your children. Life will teach them everything they need to know so don't feel like you need to. Life won't always love them, support them, and build them up, so that's where we get to carry the day. Again, focus on loving and enjoying their unique, divine souls, and let life teach them what they need to know. Your life will be your message anyway and the greatest sermons are those not spoken.

That's my philosophy, but I'm the first to admit there is no ONE right way. There are many right ways so just allow---I love that word. Allow people to be who they are, allow life to unfold in whatever way it is unfolding, allow, allow, allow.. . Okay am I getting too hippie on you now? lol

We have a family quote--okay several, but this is one I especially love--"Have a mind open to everything and attached to nothing." It's deep and has so many different applications, but it has helped me be a better mother and person. I'm able to love more fully when I stay open and unattached--Let go of controlling outcomes and get rid of expectations. . Just enjoy every moment! Okay, I'll stop waxing philosophical and just tell you that you are the bomb.com and that I super appreciate you taking the time to send such a thoughtful note. Love you to pieces xoxox
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