I am so happy to share with you today the words of Jennifer Andersen who writes at Our Muddy Boots. Connecting with Jennifer has enriched and blessed my life. She is a mama who understands the heart of connection and I am so thankful for her voice.
Guest Post by Jennifer Andersen
When my son tells me that he needs another drink of water before he goes to bed, I happily get it for him. Not because I am afraid that he will not go to sleep without it, but because I understand that he is not yet ready.
When we are at the playground and it is a beautiful day and my children beg me to stay, I say yes. Whenever I can. Not because they are boss, but because it is a playground, and they are having fun, and they are children.
When I am tired and worn out and feeling lonely, I ask my children to entertain themselves. And they often do. Not because they are afraid of me but because they know how nice it feels to be heard.
When my husband travels and I wish he were home, my son asks me if I would like a nice cold glass of water. Not because his dad told him he must make me happy, but because he know how nice it feels to be taken care of.
When I have lost my patience, I apologize. And my children lovingly accept it. Not because they do not know what it means, but because they know that words have value.
There is reciprocity in every relationship. Only recently did I realize that we can determine what that looks like. I have committed to focusing on making this look considerate and loving with my children. This is what I choose.
How about you? What do you choose?
Jennifer Andersen created Our Muddy Boots as a way to share her experience of leaving the parenting mainstream. After the birth of her first child, she quickly learned that her instincts should be trusted above all else and that there is no greater expert on her children. She understood that her babies would tell her everything that they needed if she listened. Jennifer is the stay-at-home mother of two wonderfully curious children ages 2 and 4.
