August 2013 is here. Another month, where have the last seven months gone to? I've always heard, when you get older, time flies much quicker. I now understand that. Children in our area will be back to school mid-month, I know of some kids who began school a couple of weeks ago.
I am showing my age here, but when I was in school, it was standard to begin school after Labor Day, and end school the second week of June. Winter break was two weeks, Easter break we received a week off and Good Friday off of school. Summer break three months
Although back then, there were more, one member of the household working outside the home, and many more stay-home moms. My mom was lucky, (or unlucky) enough to fall into the stay-at-home mom. With six daughters to raise, she had her work cut out for her.
Was it easier back in those days to have only the father of the house as the breadwinner than today? Some may think yes, others adamantly would say NO.
I myself had the luxury to stay home and raise my two children. I liked working outside the home before children, but because both my husband and I were raised by stay-at-home moms, my husband at the time thought it best I remain home and raise our children.
Were my children "better" because of the attention and care they received by a non-working mom? I don't think so. As adults, are our children more well-rounded because they came home from school to a clean home, a balanced dinner, and a caring mom?
I honestly have to say no.
As parents, we do the best we can, and even our best isn't always the best.
If I were to look back, (which I don't like to do), and believe I was doing a great job of raising my two children, I would have to laugh. My children were taught right from wrong, say NO to drugs, respect, financial importance, and morals.
I have learned now that a lot of what their dad and I instilled in them, was thrown to the way-side once they became adults and on their own. I had to face something I always believed and thought everyone has their own path in life to follow. I had to release "my" beliefs of how my children should handle situations, peer pressure. My SHOULDS do not fit into their lives, nor should they.
We all have individual thoughts, beliefs, standards and our own paths to follow. No one, mainly including myself should judge others. I had to learn to give up my thoughts and beliefs of how my now grown children should run their lives and let them walk their own path. Mistakes are not mistakes if you learn from them; I view errors one make in life not as mistakes, but learning and growing experiences.
Yes, my children do not do things as I believe they should, or I myself would, but that is what makes us all individuals.
Next time you view or experience a loved one, or even a stranger doing something totally differently from how you would, remember, THEY ARE ON THEIR PATH IN LIFE, NOT YOURS. DO NOT JUDGE, RATHER ACCEPT, LOVE AND KNOW THEY WILL MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES FOR THEMSELVES.
Where ever this new month leads you, do your best to view loved ones, strangers you meet or see on your journey as individuals on their personal path in life, and there is a reason they crossed you on your path, even if it's only for a moment.
I am showing my age here, but when I was in school, it was standard to begin school after Labor Day, and end school the second week of June. Winter break was two weeks, Easter break we received a week off and Good Friday off of school. Summer break three months
Although back then, there were more, one member of the household working outside the home, and many more stay-home moms. My mom was lucky, (or unlucky) enough to fall into the stay-at-home mom. With six daughters to raise, she had her work cut out for her.
Was it easier back in those days to have only the father of the house as the breadwinner than today? Some may think yes, others adamantly would say NO.
I myself had the luxury to stay home and raise my two children. I liked working outside the home before children, but because both my husband and I were raised by stay-at-home moms, my husband at the time thought it best I remain home and raise our children.
Were my children "better" because of the attention and care they received by a non-working mom? I don't think so. As adults, are our children more well-rounded because they came home from school to a clean home, a balanced dinner, and a caring mom?
I honestly have to say no.
As parents, we do the best we can, and even our best isn't always the best.
If I were to look back, (which I don't like to do), and believe I was doing a great job of raising my two children, I would have to laugh. My children were taught right from wrong, say NO to drugs, respect, financial importance, and morals.
I have learned now that a lot of what their dad and I instilled in them, was thrown to the way-side once they became adults and on their own. I had to face something I always believed and thought everyone has their own path in life to follow. I had to release "my" beliefs of how my children should handle situations, peer pressure. My SHOULDS do not fit into their lives, nor should they.
We all have individual thoughts, beliefs, standards and our own paths to follow. No one, mainly including myself should judge others. I had to learn to give up my thoughts and beliefs of how my now grown children should run their lives and let them walk their own path. Mistakes are not mistakes if you learn from them; I view errors one make in life not as mistakes, but learning and growing experiences.
Yes, my children do not do things as I believe they should, or I myself would, but that is what makes us all individuals.
Next time you view or experience a loved one, or even a stranger doing something totally differently from how you would, remember, THEY ARE ON THEIR PATH IN LIFE, NOT YOURS. DO NOT JUDGE, RATHER ACCEPT, LOVE AND KNOW THEY WILL MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES FOR THEMSELVES.
Where ever this new month leads you, do your best to view loved ones, strangers you meet or see on your journey as individuals on their personal path in life, and there is a reason they crossed you on your path, even if it's only for a moment.
