I often like to look back at my childhood to try and remember what I felt like as a kid in a big family. I think that as much as my parents would have liked to feel they were including everyone, someone always ended up feeling left out. A few years back, I started going out on date nights with each of my kids.
It doesn’t happen very often but I try to make it happen when the big kids need time away from the madness at home. Yesterday, my Ty (who’s ten) asked if we can go on a date. That’s usually his way of saying he needs mom time. So this weekend, I’ll try to make that time with him even if it’s just a small trip to get some ice cream or a snow cone.
I want to be able to keep the door of communication open with each of my children. I hope that by establishing these “dates,” they can continue to openly communicate with me about their feelings, current happenings, or concerns. It’s something I never felt I could do with my parents without being judged so I hope I can break that cycle. I want them to be their own person without feeling like they have to live up to some standard. I have no set standard for them. I believe they will become great adults no matter where life takes them. I hope they see that. I adore my babies. They are perfectly imperfect, talented in their own ways, and filled with so much beauty inside and out. They are loved immensely and I hope they know it. 💕
~Norm
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