I always wanted to be a great mum. I wanted to be a mother who nurtured her daughter to be her best possible self. I wanted her to know there were so many possibilities and she could work out ways achieve them. I wanted my daughter to grow up confident, with pride and self-assurance. I planned on being the mum who would show her daughter the way.
Instead, she’s shown me the way.
I’ve been blessed with a girl who walks tall and proud. Who’s confident of herself and what she can achieve. She’s confident that she’s loved and nurtured and cared for.
That’s a blessing.
I thought I’d teach her so much – instead – she’s taught me.
♥ I was going to ‘fake it till I could make it’. I swore I’d never utter a negative word about my body – or anyone else’s – in front of her. And you know what? That taught me to love and appreciate my body more than I ever had before.
♥ I wanted her to see positive, loving role-models in her parents – and by speaking respectfully to my husband in her presence it taught me that that’s the way it should be.
♥ She’s taught me that there’s nothing more magnificent than being greeted by someone who’s genuinely delighted to see you {although I do draw the line at squealing my friend’s name and running and jumping into their arms – that could be dangerous}.
She wants to be a famous dancer who travels the world and returns to her apartment in Paris. She wants to write in her spare time, and play netball in those other moments. When she retires from dancing she’s coming back to Australia and buying a farm in the Southern Highlands. We’re allowed to visit.
She sees a world of possibilities – and makes me realise what’s out there – if you open your arms wide enough.
life in a pink fibro says
Love this. It’s so true that children open your eyes to the newness and possibilities of the world. We all need that sometimes.
MultipleMum says
What a thoughtful parent you are! I will be taking a leaf out of your book this week. I rarely think about the role model that I am being to my children as I shriek and stomp around the house with all my busyness. Must be more respectful. And you are so right about the greeting. Nothing better than a bit of delight upon entering the house huh? Your daughter is a lucky duck 🙂
BabyMac says
I love you PPMJ. What an inspiration you are!
Corinne says
A truly beautiful post from a truly beautiful lady! X
Curvaceous Queen says
Perhaps the true art of parenting is that you see and accept the lessons being offered.
Posie Patchwork says
Absolutely, you have a great attitude & hit the nail on the head – you have an audience 24/7!! As a school mum of 4 i often wonder if the crazy mums in cars remember they have an audience?? Who knows what they are like in their own homes, love Posie
_vTg_ says
Those are some great ambitions achieved (on your part)- I think you’ve really captured the theme perfectly!
Vanessa says
Perfectly put. I sometimes forget the audience I have but I always remember to be honest if I have been a poor role model. I especially love your thoughts about how we treat our life partners in front of our children. They definitely need to see respect from both parents towards each other and when we speak about them in public. Very thoughtful.
Gill@OurParklife says
i feel like printing this post out and framing it so I can be reminded of it daily…! You have really captured the most beautiful part of parenting….I have learnt more in the last 2 and a half years (when my first son was born) about myself than I have in the thirty before he was born….This parenting thing really takes you on an inner journey, doesn’t it….?
DancingInTheRain says
I have been cringing this week as I hear my eldest daughter yell my catch phrases at her sister. After reading you post I realise that what i cringe at is that no one should be spoken to like that and I need to be the one who leads by example. It is all very well for me to tell MiniMe to speak kindly to others but I need to walk the walk too. Children really can be little mirrors!