This morning my son could wear a hat to school (this is a rare treat) if they brought in a $1 for The United Way. As we were pulling into the school he remembered this. I usually don't have cash on me, because I use my debit card for everything... but this morning I did. So I gave him money, sans hat.
He thanked me for the money and said that IS what's important, but he had disappointment in his voice as he said, "But now I have to wait a year before I can wear a hat to shcool again." Now, chances are there will be an opportunity at least one more time to wear a hat, but this is what he thought. I told him that it was also his responsibility to remember these things, too. And he would be fine not wearing a hat today.
So, after I get home, I went and grabbed a hat and told my hubby I was going back to the school to give it to him. On the way there I questioned myself, whether I should be doing this. I mean am I teaching him responsibility if I do this? But my heart said "Take him his hat, woman!"
The look in his eyes, and the hug and thank you I received told me I did the right thing.
After I got home, my hubby Skyped me the poem "How To Really Love A Child" by SARK, and said it reminded him of me, this morning. I needed this reminder... maybe you do, too.
How To Really Love A child
Be there. Say YES as often as possible. Let them bang on pots and pans.
If they're crabby, put them in water. If they're unlovable, love yourself.
Realize how important it is to be a CHILD. Go to a movie theatre in your pajamas.
READ books out loud with JOY. INVENT pleasures together. Remember how small they are.
GIGGLE A LOT. Surprise them. Say no when necessary. TEACH feeling. Heal your own
inner child. LEARN about parenting. HUG trees together. MAKE LOVING SAFE. Bake a
cake and eat it with no hands. Go find elephants and kiss them. Plan to BUILD a
rocketship. IMAGINE yourself MAGIC. Make lots of forts with blankets. Let your
angel fly. Reveal your own DREAMS. Search out the POSITIVE. Keep the gleam in
your eye. Mail letters to GOD. Encourage SILLY. Plant licorice in your garden. Open up.
STOP yelling. Express your LOVE a lot. Speak kindly. Paint their tennis shoes. Handle with
CARING. Children ARE miraculous.
by SARK