A long time ago, as in I was in high school, I was visiting with my Aunt Molly in her house on Bristol Court. I can't remember if this memory took place before she left to go somewhere and I was about to babysit, or, if it was after she returned from being somewhere and I had just babysat----or, if I was just over there hanging out. Whichever way, I remember we were in the kitchen and Molly was sharing with me the postive difference she noticed in her children when she, at bedtime, sat with them and told them all of the wonderful things about them that happened during the day. I remember her sharing that her children seemed to get along better, were more obedient and, happier.
Fast forward however many years since, to now, with me as a mother to Abigail. I remembered the lesson shared with me by my Aunt Molly and have begun each night, for about 3 or 4 months now, sharing with Abigail all of the wonderful things I loved about Abigail each day. "Abigail, I loved the way you sang in the car today. I loved the way you played peek-a-boo with the pharmacist at the store. I loved watching you jump into the pool. Thank you for saying please." I have noticed that she quiets down and listens intently. I know she understands my praise. I love taking a moment to consciously think of all of the good from our day. Our days can be perfect sometimes, but sometimes crazy and hectic, sometimes teary and stressful, but always, always, always, there are good parts about our day......and I like to think that Abigail takes what I share with her and dreams of all of those good things.
Lessons Shared. Lessons Gratefully Learned.
15 comments:
That's a cool idea. We might have to adopt it. Thanks for sharing :)
That is such an awesome idea. I'm stealing it. Thanks. :)
Love it! Thanks for sharing!!! I hope you're feeling well!
Wow RACH! Thanks for sharing so a GREAT idea!
I'm glad you remember that conversation from long ago. We've got to buoy our children up so they know what amazing little people they actually are and how much we and Heavenly Father love them.
Love it! I'm doing it!
I love that...I have learned so much from Molly too. She's a good example to follow.
This is sweet on so many levels...the wonderful idea, the fact that a dear Aunt made a difference in your life just by sharing with you...and, that years and years something she may have just thought was a simple conversation turned into goodness that will go on and on. There are a few people in my own life that have no idea the difference they have made in my own...maybe we should share those moments more.
What a beautiful idea. I am going to start tonight. I have been trying to think of something useful for my older children to replace the routine of what I did when they were tiny. What a great idea. Thanks for sharing. Kappy
What a sweet idea! You are such a good Mom! Thanks for sharing that!
Wow thanks so much for sharing this! I love your Aunt Molly on Bristol Court and I can't wit to start doing this with Nigel. I hope all is well and I hope you are feeling fantastic.
This is so great-- thanks for sharing Rach!
Love this idea Rach- my friend calls them "Bedtime Chats" and when your girls are all grown up and too old for those moments, you can cherish the times you did it today!
That was very sweet Rach. There are so many times like that in life when WE may feel or WE may know something someone said made a difference or stayed with us, but the other person never knows. Sometimes it's just nice to know. And kids listen. So much more then we give them credit.
I have been doing this for about a month now..or at least a few weeks any way and I love it. My kids love it even more! Thank you for passing it along! It makes bedtime such a sweet treasure and a great chance to relive the good moments of the day.
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