What helps us get through?

There are many different things that help people get through events in life...


"You look terrific!"                     Helps some get through a diet.
"One more mile!"                        Helps some finish the race.
"The weekend is almost here!"    Helps some get through the work day.

So what gets us, as parents, through our toughest job?  Through our real "work day?"


That was the question of the day ...the key to my "Parenting Success."  Each and every morning we rise with the knowledge that today, like yesterday, we must face our biggest challenges......OUR CHILDREN!!  There will be the fussing, the whining, the fighting, the snacks, the loss of appetite at ever meal, the carpool, the playdate, the "I wants", etc....  So what gets us motivated?  What golden nugget do we cling to in hope that today will be a great parenting day?

For me, I try to remember that one special moment that took place the day before.  The cute look, the extra long hug, the "I love you mommy."  I go back into my tired and often confused mind to that ray of sunshine that my children brought to me the day before.  I ended my blog yesterday with a quote fom my daughter which said, "Mommy, that was a thank you play for all the nice things you do for us."

That was my trophy for yesterday and my driving force for today. 

Our children are always there to compliment us, if we take the time to listen.  So often in the hustle and bustle of the average day, we concentrate on the wrongs instead of all that is right.  We hear the fighting and not the tender I love yous.  We see the crayon marks on the wall and not the giant smiles of admiration.  We tend to look for praise from the outside world, when really our stongest supporters are 40 inches tall and spilling milk on the table.

Tonight, I challenge all parents:  When you are finally given the peace and quite that bed time brings, take a few moments to recall the day.  Relive conversations and actions from the past twelve hours.  Find at least one "golden nugget" and put it to work.  Celebrate your trophy for the day and your driving force for tomorrow.  For we can only judge true "Parenting Success" by seeing it through the eyes of our children!