The past few days have been wonderful - with the exception of a few "incidents" of course, but for the most part I feel like I've come across an unexpected "honey hole" - a sweet spot in the parenting adventure where I can savor all the hard work and discipline I've invested in my kids over the past almost 8 years. I just wanted to share, not so much to brag on my kids, but to encourage those of you with young kiddos to not let the small victories go unnoticed.
Yesterday we went to town to run a few errands. The first of which was a trip to the local paint store. What I thought was going to be a quick in and out trip turned into an HOUR "painting lesson/consultation". Although I was grateful for all of the advice, entertainment opportunities in a hardware store are few and far between for 3 kids in such a place. Not to mention we left the house at 11 so it was approaching that all important LUNCH hour.... dum da DOOM! Can you just feel the trouble brewing??? Thankfully with all the colors, the kids immersed themselves in a game of "I Spy". Whew!! With my new wealth of information I surged on... being that I had several "non food" painting supplies to get in addition to a short grocery list I decided to cut my losses, consolidate my errands, and head to Wal-Mart. I'm not sure if I've ever mentioned on here how much I dread that store. I always feel like it's a petri dish of germs and an endless source of frustration. I'm not saying it is, that's just how I feel. I was thrilled when we came upon front row (aka "rock star") parking! Whoo Hoo! The entire time we were in Wal-Mart the girls "organized" the cart, and Colby had one hand on the cart. (Something I've harped on for years to keep us all together! VICTORY!!) I couldn't help but smile the whole time... again another HOUR errand and BONUS - I found the chocolate covered pretzels I've been craving (Fliptz) AND sour cream & onion pringles were $1! SCORE!! A couple more trips like that and I just might overcome my "Wal-Mart aversion"! LOL! Thankfully the kids were excited about trying the new snacks that they didn't even ask to eat and the convenient in-store McDonalds. We made it home a little after 1, ate lunch and all was well. VICTORY!
Fast forward to today.... Colby has been having some "issues" with one of his neighborhood friends - namely being bossed around. I've been impressed thus far with how he's handled the situation, but this morning I could see it was getting to him. I interrupted them to say it was time for lunch & his friend went home. While we were eating, Colby brought it up. He kept telling the little boy that he (Colby) needed a break, but his friend kept saying, "No we don't. That'll be boring." Nevertheless, Colby asked me if the next time the doorbell rang if I would tell that friend that we were having family time. Problem solved! However, apparently 7 year olds only need about an hour to have a "break" and when the time came he was "over it" - he gave me a wink and a head nod to "signal" that he was ok. LOL! Another victory though!!!! I can't tell you how long it took me to realize that sometimes a little time-out can be just what I need to recharge or reset my frame of mind on a situation!
They decided to go across the street to pick up another playmate and I knew it was going to be another temptation for the kiddos --- to wear or not to wear the helmet??? It's something we've been having to really enforce because none of the other kids out here have to wear one. I was walking past the window and happened to look out at just the right time to see both Colby & Madeline riding off wearing helmets!!! VICTORY! This was a BIG one for me because I didn't even remind them AND they were with friends who had left them behind while they took time to "buckle up". Our perserverance has FINALLY paid off! I will not underestimate this because this is my first peer-pressure victory! It has filled my confidence to know that I CAN give my kids the courage to say "yes" to what's right! I know that the road that lies ahead is filled with temptations - with consequences much greater! I feel encouraged in knowing that I'm planting those seeds of trust and self-conscious to keep my kids safe - but I have a feeling it's going to be a sticky road ahead.
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