Evidently he heard the real words. Not just these.
All those years, when I was yelling sharing my wisdom with the children, it seems The Trailblazer really was listening.
This week I called him at school to discuss a change that’s going to be happening to our family soon. (The details of which are a story for another day.) I tell him about it, expecting a reaction of surprise, probably objection, definitely questions. Since he spends nine months of the year away at school, it affects him the least, but it’s still a big change.
After a brief discussion, he pauses and says, “I’m sure you and dad thought it through, so if that’s what you decided, then I’m sure that’s what’s best.”
There was a lifetime of reward crammed in that one sentence.
He actually said “I’m sure you and dad have thought it through…”
Did he really acknowledge that his parents are capable of intelligent thought? I wasn’t expecting that paradigm shift until he was about 30.
Did he really understand that we had considered the impact on everyone, and deemed it the right thing? I think he did.
Now, maybe he was just trying to get me off the phone so he could resume his game of beer pong studying. Or maybe he’s trying to figure out how to stay in Baton Rouge this summer to avoid it altogether.
Or maybe he meant what he said. Yeah, I’m going with that.
I’m giving myself a gold star for raising that boy. I hope the other ones have been listening, too.
Lisha Writes 
Oh, we do listen. It’s the “admitting the parents are right” thing that is the most difficult. 🙂
Thank you for that affirmation, my friend. 🙂
LOVE this! For us it’s been our youngest who has given us the most “WOW! We don’t suck at this parenting gig!” moments! But wherever they come from they are precious!
Yep, my youngest makes me doubt my parenting credentials occasionally, too. But he’s turning out fine. 🙂
Kudos! I love it when I see my daughter’s actually processing some of the “words of wisdom” I’m trying to pass along-or that she realizes that one more time in “time out” just isn’t worth it, LOL. She’s 8, but there’s milestones all along the path, eh? 😉
Indeed. When you see the spark of understanding in her eye, give yourself a little pat on the back.
No doubt that when realizing that your kids get the fact that your intentions are good and that everything you do as a parents in meant for good….there is no better satisfaction.
Indeed. Compared to the rewards of little-kid parenting, when I get it right with the big kids, the satisfaction is great!
Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
So, so glad to read this. There is hope for all of us. I can’t wait until I’m posting my “they were really listening” post!! Excited to hear about your upcoming changes. 🙂
Amy
Hope, indeed! I didn’t see it coming!
You can say you heard it first. My MIL is coming to “stay” with us. (“Stay with us” sounds so much less ominous than “live with us.”)
or at a minimum TB was paying attentin in his Psych 101 class!
Either way, I win. 🙂
Perfect. How awesome to have moments like that…I’m happy for you–and know how deeply touching that moment was. You had an “If” moment. (Kipling reference).
Perfect reference. That one’s a boy no longer. 🙂 Thanks, Kate!
Gold star for you! I hope my mom had a moment like that with me 🙂
I’m sure she did. She has much to be proud of in you, Amy. 🙂
It’s not nearly as monumental a moment, but I had a little “he’s listening!” moment myself last night.
Li’l D was sitting on the sofa with me when our dog laid down on Li’l D’s play mat. “Back off! That’s mine!” Li’l D shouted, to which Sai acceded.
I said, “That makes me sad, sweetie. You don’t need the map. It’s good to share.”
I had no idea what was going on in Li’l D’s brain, but a few seconds later, he said, “Come, Sai! Lay down map!”
D’aw.
It was just as monumental — to him. In his world, his “things” are as big as it gets. Sweet boy. 🙂
My dad used to tell me that I’d be surprised how much my parents learned between my 15th and 25th year. Seems Trailblazer has come in ahead of schedule. 🙂
Yes, he’s exceeded my expectations there, for sure! I hope the others are such quick learners!
Damn those adult kids for becoming the people we always knew they could be. Yep, we’re better parents than we think we are.
Hope whatever lies ahead for you brings you good things.
Yes, we are. 😉
And BTW, I bought myself a cute new purse at JCP this week! Me, the Republican, Catholic, stay-at-home mom.