Do you ever wonder if you are teaching your children correctly or simply following up on your responsibilities? That is a question that as a mom always arises. We are always worried that we may not be teaching them enough, preparing them enough, or simply not doing enough.
That question is answered for me on a daily basis and was clarified this past weekend. Our yearly graduation ceremony was held this past Friday where all the home educated children were acknowledged for their accomplishments with certificates and our high school graduates honored. Listening to each of the high school graduates put my mind at ease; well maybe just a little. I noticed that I was not alone with these feelings of wonderment and uneasiness. Listening in particular to the girls that would be graduating to another stage in their lives was reassuring because it gave me the much needed hope that I am doing the best I can as a mom. I thought I was crazy at first to have them help in the cooking and cleaning of the home and yes, even their rooms. But imagine my surprise when the graduating girls mentioned how it helped that their moms used the same rules in their homes and they were thankful.
Watching my oldest graduate last year was one of the most wonderful moments, beside giving birth to her. Now watching as she lives on her own and must budget her time between work and school and keep her place clean, gives me a great feeling that I must have done something right along the way. I must however, prepare for my second to graduate this coming year. Am I ready? Absolutely NOT! But will I accept it, I have no choice and will accept it with pride. First I must prepare him for a missions trip to Ecuador this summer. This trip will be part of the maturing process as was for my oldest when she visited Costa Rica for her mission trip. Visiting different countries and observing and participating in their cultural ways is a great experience. My son will also be participating in a mission journey in our own home town this summer as well. Teaching him to help others is something that has been instilled from birth and now he can use the tools we have provided to share with others.
So, if you should ever wonder if you are doing the right thing when it comes to rearing and bringing up your children. Stand in the shadows and watch your children at work. Watch as they interact with their siblings, with other children and adults. Well, perhaps disregard their actions with their siblings, unless they surprise you which mine do on a daily basis. But simply rest assured that you are doing the best that you can and if you need help, don’t be afraid to ask. There are many people simply waiting to help you in this magnificent journey of parenting.
Dr. Daisy Sutherland is the Founder/CEO of Dr. Mommy Online. She is a doctor, author, radio personality, speaker, wife & mom to 5 children. Dr. Mommy's mission is to ~ Inspire, Motivate & Encourage you to be the best you can be by sharing her 'Get Real' approach to health and wellness.
