[ Blog Hop ♥ 3 Things Every Parent Should Teach Their Child ]

Today's blog hop wanted us to list three things you should teach your kids. Excluding of course the obvious things such as God, loving one another, being honest. Things that most EVERYONE wants to or does teach their children. Think outside the box.

Three things I want to teach my children (which seems odd that some of them come later in life and I wonder if I've managed to do a good job getting such a late start):

1. Respect Elders - We all start out as babies in this world and grow and mature and learn and do. The one thing that really bothers me is to see children disrespecting someone who is a parent, someone else's parent or an elderly person in the community. I used to work for a senior citizen facility (not a nursing home either!), and it amazed me daily the stories I would hear or the sadness coming from some of the people around me. Their children had no time for them, they never hear from their grandchildren. None of us would be where we are if it weren't for our parents and our grandparents. They used to be young and full of life and even onery like us at one time. They just want to share in the love, laughter and fun that they are leaving as a legacy. Take time to call your grandmother, you don't have to take a vacation and spend a week with her, just a simple phone call would have her telling her friends for days what you were doing and how proud she is of you. When you see someone at the grocery store struggling to reach something from a shelf, ask if you can help. Open a door for someone with a walker... even if you have to wait two extra minutes for them to catch up to you. You know they are headed in the same direction, why make them struggle just because you're in a big fat hurry? Take time to care, take time to love.
2. Don't WHINE! - no matter how bad or miserable you think your life is I can guarantee you there is someone somewhere who is worse off than you are. Your selfishness and arrogance is uncalled for and will not be tolerated. Things you have are not a right they are a privilege and you should act accordingly. Don't complain to me that you want the newest video game because your friend has one (especially when you just got the one you wanted last week), I'm going to tell you enough is enough. There are children in the world who don't even know what a video game is. Don't complain that we're having chilli for supper when you hate it and want something else because I'm not fixing something special for you. There are children in the world who are lucky to eat one meal a day and would think you are eating like a king. You are allowed to complain when you feel neglected or need attention because there are children in the world who would love to have the warm hug and comfort of a parent and I should not deprive you of such things just because I get wrapped up in my own doings. I'm first and foremost your mother and will always take the time to hug and kiss you and run and play.
3. Don't Conform - There will always be others who tell you to do this or do that and they want you to do it their way. To come along, go with the flow, who's gonna know? Remember that mom and dad may not always find out (which is highly unlikely), but you have someone greater to answer to than me. God knows your heart and sees and hears everything in your life. He has orchestrated every move to help you grow and learn or to teach you hard lessons. Don't let others dictate your actions by making you feel out of place. You are unique and special and why would anyone who truly loved and cared about you, want you any differently than the way you are? Be strong, be confident and stand up for what you believe in. Even when others tell you you're wrong or lame or a loser. Love them anyway, despite their shortcomings, but don't conform to their standards. I think you're pretty special just the way you are and your true friends see those same qualities you possess that I see. That God sees. Be proud of them. Be proud of you.... because there is only one of you in this whole entire universe. That's pretty freakin' special! ;-)

So, that's my three things. Of course, being a parent I could name at least 100 more things... who couldn't? And we all know our parents styles are correct don't we? lol ;-) (NOT!) I know I'm far from a perfect parent but my children sure do make me proud (most days) and I thank God for them everyday and ask for His guidance and help in making sure I teach them what He would want me to. Happy Tuesday to you all! I'm off to 'hop'.... ♥




Special thanks to Shoplet.com-Purell Hand Sanitizers for sponsoring this blog hop.