Every Tuesday, the writing community of Two Writing Teachers hosts Slice of Life. All are welcome to participate by linking up posts or commenting on other participants.
Over the weekend, someone shared an article published originally in 2015 with eleven things people with older children want people with younger children to know. Even though I still have two daughters home, I have two daughters in college, and the ideas in this post struck a major sentimental chord in me, especially as I've been going through what was left in bedrooms.
One of my favorite suggestions on the list--and I loved them all--was the first one.
1. In addition to marking down your child’s first words, record the first conversations you had with them about whether or not there’s a Santa Claus — or a God.Don't we all work hard to record the milestones? First words, first steps, first lost teeth... My daughters are interested in those things, but they are more interested in when they had these sorts of conversations. They love to laugh at the lengths we went to in order to have them believe in fairies and elves. They also love to tell me about when they discovered the presents which were later delivered to them from Santa.
I also love #8
8. If your kid tells you a secret, and asks you not to tell anyone, don’t.
“If you tell your girlfriends, it will get back to them. It really will.” — K.L.
and Number #11
11. Be affectionate — always.“When your child hugs you, never be the first one to let go.” — M.M.
I will never again be the one to let go of any of my daughters first!
I recommend heading over to the link and reading all eleven suggestions, no matter how old your children!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shelley-emling/things-empty-nesters-want-parents-of-little-kids-to-know_b_6526292.html
Happy Writing,
I see my grown daughter often, and we always hug goodbye. I was sometimes sad in the classroom when I realized that some students didn't like any hugs at all, nor did their parents, but others did, and so did the parents. Different strokes I guess. Love these that you've shared, Melanie. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI watched my brother drop his third off at school this weekend -- now only one left at home. It does make you cherish each and every moment. My two went off to high school together with my junior driving my freshman -- hard to believe. Thanks for the list -- too much risk of crying now so I will save it for next week!!
ReplyDeleteClare
My daughter's 13 years old now. I love watching her take care of then little kids at church. I love seeing her in the big kid role. It's fun and heart breaking to see her in that role!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this list. I also love the one about hugging. I can never get enough hugs.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this list. I also love the one about hugging. I can never get enough hugs.
ReplyDeleteThis brought tears to my eyes, Melanie. Thanks for sharing and helping me remember those special conversations (especially about Santa Claus) that I had with my kids. I have found out many things now that they are adults that I didn't even know went on when they were kids.
ReplyDeleteThis brought tears to my eyes, Melanie. Thanks for sharing and helping me remember those special conversations (especially about Santa Claus) that I had with my kids. I have found out many things now that they are adults that I didn't even know went on when they were kids.
ReplyDeleteI just love #11! Back to empty nest and missing my children. Sniff. Sniff.
ReplyDeleteMelanie, thanks for sharing the list. Funny but I had to tell my daughter to unplug the last time I saw her.
ReplyDeleteLove this list. My son keeps asking me about things he did (now that he's a first time parent). And I wasn't good about keeping track. So my favorite was the one about sitting down with your kids at the end of every year and writing down their memories of the past year. I wish I'd done that. Hugs, you can never get too many!
ReplyDeleteLots to love here! And the hugging. Yes, that!
ReplyDeleteAw- I love your photo. I'm going to look at the fb post. I love the suggestions you shared from the list.
ReplyDeleteAw- I love your photo. I'm going to look at the fb post. I love the suggestions you shared from the list.
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