I think it is every parents goal to raise good kids. We all want our kids to be happy and healthy. We also want our kids to turn into kind, successful, good human beings. We do everything we can when we are trying to raise good kids, but sometimes, we question our parenting, our choices, our children’s choices and the actual path that our kids are on.
I will be the first person to tell you that my kids are assholes. I will also let you know that I don’t like my kids, but I love them. However, even though I am blunt and sarcastic, I am still trying to raise good kids.
Here are some of the ways that I know I am raising good kids, even when I think I’m not.
Your kids look for ways to help people.
It may not be you, because let’s face it, at about 6 years old, your children begin to act like they hate you. Its other people. You know you are on the road to raise good kids, when your kids seek out ways to help others.
Your kids are polite. (In public)
They may scream, cry, push each other, pick their noses and eat their boogers at home, but they say please and thank you in public! They smile at people and people smile back at them.
Your kids know how to treat people.
Whether it is being served in a restaurant or being driven on a bus. Your kids treat the person serving them with respect and gratitude. One of the best things I ever heard, was that on a school trip, my son made their server’s day! MY SON! What an amazing feeling.
Other people tell you your kids are great!
While you may roll your eyes and say, “Sure they are” under your breath. The fact that other people are telling you that your kids are great is a good thing! Sometimes, its ok to accept the compliment and soak it in. Well, at least until they poke a kid in the eye at the playground.
Basically, we are all trying to raise good kids and even though, it may seem like we are failing at times, we are still succeeding. We need to see the forest for the trees. We need to accept the compliments of others, because being with our kids ALL THE TIME can definitely cloud our vision. I know that mine gets clouded quite often and sometimes, it is a strangers smile and compliment that parts the clouds.
Echo, I couldn’t agree with all of the above and than some, especially when others tell you how polite and well behaved your kids are to them. So great job mama and definitely think you are one hell of mom, too!! 🙂
You are doing an awesome job! It is always nice when strangers notice your children are being good.
This could not have come at a better time for me. Thanks for the much needed perspective!
I am not a mom but I have definitely observed this closely. Especially when they behave politely in public and keep screaming and crying when at home. No doubt you are clever to raise good kids. pat yourself for that. cheers!!!
Kids are always so much better at other people’s houses! I will settle for slightly annoying children at home as long as I know they can turn it off and be adorable elsewhere.
I completely agree with everything you are saying. I was babysitting my nephew yesterday and it was really challenging 🙂 but so enjoyable at the same time .
The school principal told me that my kids are so kind and I think that’s the best thing she could have said. At home, they’re rude screech monkeys sometimes but as long as they’re polite, empathetic, and kind, good listeners, we’re a-ok! Must be doing at least something right.
I don’t have any kids of my own (yet), but I know that when I do have some and raise them, I will try my best to make them good people 🙂 x
You are on point dear, Raising great kids requires a lot of work, failures, and successes. All you need are biblical understanding and principles that will guide you through in raising God fearing Kids
Great Facts About Parenting. keep it up.