Mom-Tales.com

Kids are a mirror to our own behavior. They keep us honest, don't they?

Well, I just had one of the heart-tearing moments with my daughter this morning. 

I got a phone call this morning from a friend in need and lost track of time. I jumped off the phone and shouted at the kids that we need to get in the car because we are late for school.  My son announced that he needed to get his bag to which I hastily replied, "I will get the bags!"

So, all the kids jumped in the car, I grabbed what was on the counter and we left. On the way to school, Jazlyn asked where her bookbag was. I told her that I dumped it in the back seat. When we got to school, the bookbag was not in the car.

I was frustrated! Forgetting what had transpired during the prior 15 minutes, I immediately snapped, "Why didn't you grab it? Now, I will have to come back to school and drop it off!"

Well, during the entire way home, I was steaming and asking myself, "Why do my kids not listen to me? Why can't they remember a simple thing like picking up their backpack? We do that EVERY morning!"

I went home, grabbed her back pack and headed back to school.

When I delivered the bag to her in class, the teacher said, "Ah, Jazlyn told me 'My mom forgot my bag'. I asked her 'Who is responsible for your backpack?'" To which, I just chuckled and said, "Right!"

I left the classroom to hang her bag outside when Jazlyn came out gently crying and said, "Mom, you were rushing around and said you would grab my bag. I didn't forget it."

My heart sank. She was right!

In my haste, I didn't even realize that I had said that I would grab the bags and I was quick to blame her for forgetting it.

I immediately knelt down, hugged her and wiping her tears I said, "Honey, you are so right! I did say that, didn't I? I am so sorry. It is all my fault."

Still crying, she just said, "Hold me, Mom. Hold me!"  I was so heartbroken, yet so incredibly proud of her. Not only was she standing up for herself, she had the courage to, respectfully, correct me and my behavior.

I continued to tell her how sorry I was, that I loved her and that I hope she forgives me. I was completely humbled by my seven year old angel!

We try and teach our kids to be honest and be more responsible. However, it all starts with taking a look at our selves and making sure our actions are in line with what we are teaching. Comfortable, no. Imparitive, YES!

A proud, yet humbled mom.

Jo Della Penna

www.TheBusinessofYou.com