Often I wonder how my children see me as a parent and a mother. I wonder how I come across to them, what look I give them without even realising it and if what hopefully good impression I am giving them is actually what they are receiving. I wonder, do they see me as happy? Do they see me as stressed out and too busy for them? Do they see me as loving and kind?
It was with these thoughts that I was delighted to find a picture that one of our sons took of us, see above. It was taken when he was talking to us and just to let you know this is a natural picture, we did not try to pull this look or face. When I found this picture it made me laugh and in a small way answered my questions. This is the perfect example of what my children see from of us as parents when they talk to us.
We come across as parents who are intently listening, sometimes worried before we even know the story and as generally concerned parents! I always wondered what we look like! My poor children.
Of course they often see us a serious and there are times when that is needed and appropriate but I also feel comforted with the knowledge that they also see us having fun and laughing together as husband and wife and also with them as children. See below. Alright, I have to admit it is only me laughing in this picture and Matt is not laughing at all as he was wearing suspenders and I of course had to flick them!
Do you ever wonder how your children see you as a parent?
Yes I have often wondered and have thought about doing a little quiz for them..but havnt so maybe I am afraid of what they may say! I guess i would hope they see me as loving, concerned, fun, respectful and respected, sometimes stressed, sometimes crazy silly, sometimes embarrassing.....but hopefully striking some sort of balance along the way!
ReplyDeleteI always wonder and I always think the worst things. Then hate my self more. But there are times I think no I am a good mother and my kids will see that one day eventually.
ReplyDeleteAll the time! I'm away with Mr3 this week, and Miss8 gave me the strangest look when I left, she turned her cheek away and gave me the silent treatment. I know children don't understand adult concepts like 'the bigger picture' and the fact we do things to improve their future. It's just hard when they look at you and you know they don't see how deeply you love them and you're doing the best you can. This parenting gig is TOUGH
ReplyDelete"Let your children see your eyes light up whenever they enter the room" - that is the single best piece of parenting advice I have ever received and one I try to achieve every day. xx
ReplyDeleteSo love that quote! Doing a quiz would be fun I think. Children say the funniest things!
ReplyDeleteAs my children have grown into adults it's a very interesting exercise listening to them discuss their childhoods. I've found that some things we've done well and others I've had to apologise for and had to discuss my motivation for the way things were done. One thing for sure is that their memories are quite a bit different from mine!
ReplyDeleteI think it is important to always ask this question. Keeps us honest and real. A quiz in time would be quite interesting I am sure. xx
ReplyDeleteYes I do think about this! Especially when I am stressed and busy and aren't giving them the attention I want to give. X
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