Kind “wanting and liking to do good things and to bring happiness to others”
I want both of my girls to be kind. I want to be kind yet find myself struggling to bring happiness to others. Anyone who heard me screaming at Abby over the weekend for just once to do something I ask without asking why can attest that I am rarely kind. I am not a model of behavior that I want my children to possess.
I have a friend who is the most genuine person I have ever met. She embodies compassion, kindness and gratitude (those on the PTA know exactly whom I am talking about). It is not a public display, but rather a private and in person testament to her belief that she will create children who are kind.
She models the behavior in every thing she does. I would say I want to be her when I grow up, but sadly she is my age. It would be more apt to say this is the person I want to be now. I want to be the parent that doesn’t tell my child to be kind but to show them how kindness is demonstrated. To go that extra step in doing good things, to bring happiness to someone. To remember to reach out not when someone says their day sucks, but when they don’t say anything at all.
I like to do good things, I rarely want to let that desire trump the petty things I sometimes get wrapped up in.
I need to stop nitpicking and start praising. Stop complaining and start doing. Make positive changes that Abby will begin emulating. I want it to be natural, not a put-on public facade. I have these good thoughts in my head (oh, if only I could live in my head) but then life gets in the way. I get stressed out by over commitment that I forget why I committed. That all these committees I have joined, all these advocacy groups are to create a better world for my children.
And that world needs to begin at home.
(Un)Diagnosed and still okay 
You aren’t alone. I’ve been there, and I’m sure I’ll be there again. Feeling overwhelmed will make a mom grouchy and not the mom she wants to be real quick. We have to make changes. We have such a short time to teach our kids. What are we teaching them?
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I agree, but everything I’ve read, Abby’s a sweet-natured, good child. That doesn’t happen by accident, yaknow? It happens with good parenting and good role models.
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I agree with lrconsiderer – such a compassionate and kind sister must have a good role model! And learning that conflict is a part of a healthy loving relationship is not a bad thing either.
Hope the snowstorm didn’t hit you too hard!
Daniela
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Thank you so much, Daniela. Not only did it hit and is now freaking freezing! I hear we are getting more this weekend….hope you are warm!
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Amen! I totally agree with you. I have to say, that being aware that the kids are watching has really helped me – and although I consider myself a kind person, it has become more natural since I had the kids.
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Funny, one day while at lunch with some friends it (sadly, naturally) became negative about someone who wasn’t there. Abby might have been five innocently said, mom I didn’t think friends were mean to one another….woke me up for sure
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YES. It’s hard though.
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