Enjoy the walk.

As a parent, I sometimes I think to myself, "Am I doing or saying the right thing?" or "Am I setting a good example?" At times I don't think I'm doing a good job as a parent. I know that no matter what, Annabelle loves me with all her heart and she thinks I am the moon hanger and her hero for life, but I sometimes still feel like I fall short.

There are times I know I am about to say the wrong thing yet I finish the sentence. I want so bad to be a perfect parent, but we make mistakes. I try to never start a sentence unless it is something that empowers her, teaches her a lesson or boosts her confidence. I know she is a fragile, hormone-changing 9-year-old yet I don't always think first. Sometimes what we need to tell them we know might hurt them (like "fish don't just 'disappear'...they sometimes get caught in the filter of your new aquarium and they can't get out, then they die). Whatever it is that you say to your kids make certain you try to lift them up and not unintentionally put them down. Never say something negative to make yourself look good or to feel better about being right. You can't take it back. And the guilt doesn't feel good either.

We recently saw the movie "Ramona and Beezus". I recommend it for anyone who sometimes puts everything but their family first. If you think that just working hard at your career, paying the bills, and buying nice stuff is what it's all about, try again. I have tried hard to improve. The other night Annabelle and I sat in her room and colored with crayons and talked all night long. Just us. We ate candy, laughed, watched TV shows I didn't even know she liked. It was nice to connect. I felt very fulfilled. 

Being a parent isn't easy. It's OK to live in the moment and enjoy them right now. Don't worry about what they may become or who they'll date (Lord, help me!) or how you'll ever get them motivated to get a job one day. Just live today. And don't forget to tell them you love them every chance you get.

"Stop living life for what's around the corner and start enjoying the walk down the street." ---Grant L. Miller