“Our children are not going to be just “our children”— they are going to be other people’s husbands and wives and the parents of our grandchildren.”
-Mary Steichen Calderone
I was talking with a friend this week about how, when it comes to parenting, the goal is “not to raise great kids…it’s to raise kids who become great adults.” (Andy Andrews)
I love that as Steevenson’s mama and daddy we get to instill character traits that will inform his future decisions and actions. My hope is that he believes with all his cute little being that we want the best for him, and that we’re here to help him achieve his best, whatever that looks like on any given day as he changes and grows. And not because we’re smarter or “the boss”, but because we’re older, and more experienced, and we’ve made mistakes he can now avoid.
It’s such an incredible responsibility/privilege, and although day to day life can often cause us to lose sight of the big picture of who our kiddo is becoming, I love that we can be intentional about teaching him things that will make a difference in the long run along the way. Things like being generous, appreciative, committed and engaged. Things like saying ‘I’m sorry’, being positive in the face of adversity, being true to himself and valuing relationships. And because I’m responsible for modeling it, it’ll not only enhance his character, it’ll also enhance mine. Pretty cool gig. 🙂
Happy Thursday, y’all!
Layla
Kary
Sweet momma & Daddy to Steevenson!! You guys have God in your lives and it shows. Your son will watch and see and be that person you’re both teaching him to be & God has had a big part in that from the day he was born! Love this quote above!
Layla
Thank you, Kary! 😀
Marianne in Mo.
We raised our girls to be good adults, not just good children. Our thoughts were always on the future, and showing (and sharing) with them our upbringing – where we came from and how we got to “here” was a major part of that. We also strongly believe in “the golden rule” of doing unto others as we would have be done to us. These were the big things we emphasized with them, along with doing their best at whatever they do, and as long as they truly did their best, that was good enough for us. They are wonderful adults now and we are so pleased at the grownups they have become!
You and Kevin are great examples for Steevenson, and I know he will move mountains!
Layla
I loved reading your comment, Marianne! And thank you for the kind and encouraging words! XO
Deanna Rabe
My husband and I always said we were not raising children but we were raising them to be adults! We didn’t want them to be children forever! The best thing about parenting is walking along side of them, in grace and helping them to learn and grow.
Layla
Amen! 🙂
Casey Huggins
I love this! We always tell our kiddos we are all a team. I don’t ever want them to feel we are against them or not with them. It’s all of us together against this crazy world.
Layla
YES! 😀
Louise
You’re already doing a FABULOUS job! 🙂
Layla
Thank you, friend! 😀
Isobel Westfall
We raised our son and daughter to put the Lord Jesus Christ first and the rest of their lives would fall into place. They have indeed done that in their lives. They each married , after college, strong Christian mates. They have managed through the Lord’s help with the death of twins and some miscarriages and a major health scare. We are blessed with 11 grandchildren ranging from 3 to 21. I pray daily for protection for all of them from the undue influence of Satan. Two of the children are two young to understand their need for the Lord Jesus Christ as their savior. The other nine are doing great in their walk, even those in college. You are doing a great job with Steevenson. Remember that before the earth was even formed, the Lord knew you would be the parents of this sweet boy. I continue to pray for my children and grandchildren daily. I even pray for their future spouses. Continue to give Sonny a good foundation and the rest will fall into place. May the Lord bless you and your sweet family.
Annette
Yes!! It’s such a huge responsibility and so great at the same time. As for “I’m sorry.” I love what our preschool does. Instead of telling the kids to say I’m sorry if there is a problem with someone we teach the kids to say “can I do something to make you feel better?” Sometimes this is an I’m sorry but more often than not its getting an ice pack or giving a hug or high five or helping to rebuild the knocked down blocks. It’s so great for both parties involved and means so much more. Just thought you might love it too. Keep up that awesome, hard work mama!! You got this!
Layla
I do love that, Annette! Thank you for sharing! 😀 I was actually talking about being able to say it as an adult (so many folks seem to really struggle with it), but that’s a fun way to say it when they’re little and I love the idea of taking those kinds of actions as an adult too!