responsibility

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Family no matter when or where we get to see one another - it is always bliss

I have two grown children and now a son in third grade. The best thing I gave my children besides lots of love and encouragement was a sense of responsibility. I never really thought about it until people started asking me how I had such successful children (the grown ones) - both girls.

Then someone mentioned the other day as I was talking to Michael "I love how you explain things to him."

More than that, I have always given them responsibility from the youngest age, yes there is always the matching socks game at about two and then feeding the animals etc. But it is so much more. It is talking to them when you hear something unkind come from their mouths that leaves you shocked. Or when they are talking about the class bully. I always took the time to explain that maybe something unkind happened to them that morning at home. A parent a sibling or maybe they had to get themselves ready for school, maybe there isn't anyone that gets up and fixes them breakfast. I always gave them something to think about, another way to look at a situation, that then puts responsiblity back on them to think it through more carefully before judging.

Mom in Murfreesboro, 25 years and Army spouse,

Lee Ann Newton

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My girls, absolutely have taken an active role in Michael's life, in all aspects. Many are the times I have had to remind them over the years "He already has a mother and one is enough for any child:)" But he loves them and respects them, although all the mothering does get to him at times and it will probably only get worse as he grows older and more adventurous. However, he does maintain a brother - sister relationship with Emily, who is 10 years older. The eldest, Sarah is in Kazakhstan on a Fulbright scholarship and has traveled extensively while in college. He has had some unique challenges, as they both went far away to college - but we do all we can and treasure the times we have, on the phone or together. I hope I answered your question.

With the age spread, do you find the older ones had the benefit of wanting to model positive behavior for your son as he grows? My children are the opposite: a boy first and a girl 10 1/2 years later. And my son is wonderfully patient with my daughter and her friends. It doesn't make sense when I see his friends, but he really appreciates his time with her.

Related keywords: responsibility, teach to think before justice

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Parent Comments on "responsibility"

Related keywords: responsibility, teach to think before justice