It is easy as parents to think we need to have all the answers for our children. But the truth is, our children can teach us parents something if we will take the time to learn.
My home has become my classroom, and here are some lessons my five children have instilled in me.
Rhett Butler/Her magazine |
Karen Sneed
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• Brandon: Be compassionate. I first saw it when Brandon was in the first grade and came home daily talking about his friend Jeremy. Jeremy had many challenges and few friends. Could we go see him at the Boys and Girls Club in the afternoon?
In high school, he became everyone's confidante and counselor. And in college, he is not only the designated driver when out with friends, but the one they know they can call at 3 in the morning when they need a hand.
He has taught me to ask, "Who needs my compassion today?"
• Kramer: Be a giver. We were teaching our children about the biblical principle of tithing (giving 10 percent of your income). Each had received Christmas money, so we encouraged them to give 10 percent of it to Jesus through church or a charity. Kramer handed me all of it. He decided giving the whole thing sounded like a better idea.
He has taught me to ask, "Who can I give to today?"
• Kara: Work hard! When I commented to her recently about how she was getting banged around down low in basketball and no fouls were being called, she said, "It's OK. It makes me tougher and makes me a better player."
She has taught me to ask, "How am I handling adversity today?"
• Logan: Enjoy your uniqueness. Logan was born with only one ear. Rather than it making him insecure or self-conscious, he laughs about it, makes up stories about it (our favorite was when he told a little inquiring mind that "it got shot off") and even let his friends in school call him Nemo. We've talked about surgery to create one, but he is in no hurry and even uses it to his advantage. If he wants to block us all out, he simply turns his head!
He has taught me to ask, "How can I enjoy my uniqueness today?"
• Heidi: Bless others. Heidi's favorite gifts to give are handmade certificates of ways she would like to bless you, such as cleaning the car, washing dishes, cleaning house or "you name it!" She loves to help our neighbors with their pets and writes encouraging notes to friends and relatives regularly. She will also work for money and spend every cent on gifts for others.
She has taught me to ask, "Who can I bless today?
My children have taught me life-enhancing lessons. What have you learned from your children today?
Karen Sneed of Winterville, founder and vice-president of All Jesus Ministries, has been married to Will Sneed for 24 years. They have five children — ages 13, 15, 16, 18, 20.
"Being a Mother" is a series of columns written by area mothers. If you would like be considered as a "Being a Mother" columnist, send a sample, 200-word column to tellher@coxnc.com or Her Magazine P.O. Box 1967 Greenville, NC 27835.
