I was one of those hyper-critical kids always finding fault with the ways my parents nurtured us. I was always offering advice as to how to parent my five siblings and run the house. I learned as an educator that when I had students in my class like that to give them a big role of responsibility--that satisfied them and helped me too. Looking back, my parents did the same. I had a lot of responsibilities at home. Most of those responsibilities involved helping my siblings and older relatives.
Today, after spending a few hours with my parents, I was moved to think about the great parenting they did which included these experiences.
Warm, loving home
Our home was almost always a warm, loving place. Not perfect, but certainly welcoming, happy, lively and positive.
Lots of family events
We had many great family adventures, celebrations, outings, explorations and lots of fun.
Support for education
Dad and mom always encouraged us to get a great education beginning with attending a great preschool to wonderful elementary, middle, high schools, college, graduate school, multiple extracurricular education programs and activities and more.
Listening
Ive talked to my parents almost every day of my life--that's a lot of days. They've often been great problem solvers.
Good advice
My parents have lent me some great advice over time, advice related to nurturing good relationships, ethical work practices, perseverance, good times and more.
Recreation
Mom and dad taught me a lot about how to recreate in healthy, happy ways.
Family
Mom and dad's modeling when it came to supporting and nurturing family has helped me with my family.
I'm sure I'll think of lots more that Mom and Dad did, and for all of this I'm grateful.