7. Taking Initiative To Apologize
Like most siblings, my kids have a love/hate relationship. And during those times of “hate,” I’ve often had to tell my son to apologize to his sister after hurting her. He now understands the importance of saying “sorry,” and frequently apologizes to me when I express disappointment in his behavior. Hearing him tell me he’s sorry makes me feel proud to be raising a boy who can admit to his wrongdoings and seek forgiveness. This is a great way for children to understand compassion.
8. Cleaning Up Without Being Asked
The struggle is real here, am I right? I’m like a broken record every day, asking my children to clean up their toys. One day I came home to find that my husband helped my son clean up the living room (by moving the giant pile of toys into a different room) and my boy was thrilled to let me know when I got home. “I cleaned up, mom!” he exclaimed as I walked in the door. The pride he exhibited in that moment lifted my spirits, because it gave him confidence knowing he was capable of being a responsible “big boy” on his own.
9. Crying When You Cry
Mothers don’t like to see their children cry. But when our children shed tears as a way to show us how much they want us to be happy, it’s really touching. I try not to cry in front of my children, but if I do, my boy usually says to me softly, “Don’t cry, mom,” and he gently rubs my arm or gives me a hug. Reaching out to us and feeling the sadness that we feel is a lovely representation of how mothers and children are bonded for life. Even though I don’t want to celebrate the tears that my children or I cry, I’m glad to know that we are there to dry those tears for one another.