The other week, my son Seb stayed behind after a theatre performance to help the elderly volunteer pick up the left rubbish. The most joyful part was that we didn’t have to ask him to. So often you feel like you’re failing as a parent, then sometimes there’s a small moment that reminds you of the hard work that is paying off and the messages that are getting through.
Teaching him values early on which he has obviously picked up on. Love stories like this, we had the same with our son.
They watch and learn from their parents and friends and family Jake! So whatever you’re doing, keep doing it 🙌
This is fantastic and so heartwarming to see. You’re obviously doing something very right here Jake👏👍
That's really good to hear (and see!), well done, Seb! However, the most depressing part, is that they actually had to stay behind to clear other people's rubbish/mess up in the first place. What has happened to people's self-respect, that they think it's okay to do this, and burden this task onto someone else? #rantover
On my daughter’s 7th birthday (quite some time ago), she had a party with her friends at the weekend and I asked her what she wanted to do for her actual birthday in the week. “I’d like a take-away curry and eat it whilst we’re watching Alan Partridge.” Not litter picking or a good deed (though she’s a teacher in a PRU now) but I knew then, my work was done.
Would love to see a national qualification offered in parenting .. (NCT was bosses we got to a national offering)… we had to knife and turn our way through discovery with 4 kids… and then as soon as you think you’re getting good at they all leave home and you think to yourself “why does the next generation have to learn all this without it being passed on a little by me“.. Yes I know it takes a village to raise a child and yes I know that family is brilliant and yes I know not every family is the same, and not every culture the same and that for many people, beinggrandparents is the next stage.. …but wouldn’t it be amazing Jake Humphrey if we had a “national parenting proficiency course” just like we did when I wobbled my way to school on a bicycle aged 7…?
What a lovely picture and thought. I felt like, yeah! I share that feeling too. All the hours, words, habits, and things we try to share and teach as parents, based on our journey of trying to help them solve problems and find joy in life despite its challenges, pay off in those small moments. One day, I heard someone I admire say: 'If you are asking yourself if you are doing well as a parent, you are a good parent.' You also remind me of the Bruce Lee quote: 'Teach them all the things you were never taught. Material things wear out, but knowledge stays.' Thanks for sharing.
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2moLovely moments when they happen. Last week, having been nagging us for a doughnut for hours, our son, having been bought said doughnut handed it to a homeless person outside the shop. Hard to say if to do with parenting, genes or simply a kind soul. Have to inhale those moments.