Saved for the most sincere moments

Written by OHmommy

Thursday, 05 March 2009 19:00

I very rarely tell my children that I am proud of them.

Years ago when putting together my thesis for my masters degree in education I read that children should learn to appreciate their own pride. They should learn that accomplishing something makes them feel proud. Basically, they work hard in accomplishing something for themselves. The conclusion was that responsible children enjoy taking responsibility for their actions and in the end understand self worth as well-balanced self-motivated adults.

"Mama. Mama. Did you get my teacher's email today? Are you proud of me?" Jay ran through the door yesterday.

"I did get the email, Handsome." I knelt down before him beaming, so incredibly proud of my little man. After weeks of journaling at home something clicked and he finally understood writing.

"Are you proud of me, Mama?"

"Are you proud of yourself?"

"Yes! Mama. I am sooooooo proud of myself."

"If you are proud, so am I."

I started this a long time ago as soon as I realized that my pre-school aged children were constantly seeking my praise. "I did it! Are you proud?" After countless amounts of kisses, hugs, and "I'm proud of yous" I decided to keep the kisses and hugs in my repertoire but turn things around by asking them, "Are you proud?"

It's still a work in progress. However, when you hear those words for the first time "I am proud of myself" you yourself realize how incredibly proud you really are.

"I am so proud of myself, sweet little mousie Mama." Jay smiled as I tucked him into bed for the night. We discussed how hard he had worked and how happy it felt to be proud. "I am very proud, Handsome" I told him after his goodnight hug and kiss, those words of mine reserved for the most sincere moments. He fell asleep smiling. Just like I did.