Last week I had the privilege of being present while my
daughter pinned her husband’s new rank on his uniform in a ceremony on the
military base where they are stationed. My job was to make sure 17 month old
Essie didn’t steal the show.
The ceremony took place outside, so while we were waiting
for it to begin we heard and saw several groups of soldiers and marines
marching and shouting cadences as they did. Essie clapped and jabbered
along—watching with interest and familiarity.
Familiarity? Yes. Dwight and Emma make a conscious effort to
make Essie aware of who and what her Daddy is and to have a respect and pride
for her special lifestyle. Respect and pride? Can a 17 month old little girl
know these things? The ease with which she took everything in and the fact that
this usually busy, talkative toddler knew to be quiet during the ceremony told me
she most definitely can. She’s proud to be the daughter of a Marine and to be a
‘member’ of the US military.
The point I want to make is this: Your children need to know
who you are (besides Mom or Dad). Your children need to know how you spend your
days in order to make their life…their meals…their clothes…their comfort
possible. Your children need to know how other people see you—the accomplishments
you’ve achieved, and what you like to do (besides be a parent, of course). Your children need to know that they aren’t
the reason you come home a bit distracted or grumpy sometimes. But why? Good
question. They need to know…
*So that your children will have a better understanding of
why you say some of the things you say and do some of the things you do. They
need to know you value home as much as they do.
*So that your children will have a greater appreciation and
respect of your time, your work schedule, and the sacrifices you make for your
family.
*So that your children can be proud of who you are (because
they really want to be).
Don’t let your child’s only perception of who you are be the
parent who comes home grumbling and complaining after a rough day or the parent
who brags about getting freebies that ‘they’ll never miss’ and that ‘they owe
you’. And most of all don’t be the parent whose children feel second place (at
best) or in the way because you eat, sleep, and breathe your job. Be the parent
whose children know what you do for a living, take pride in the whole person
you are, and who respect you for ALL of who you are and what you do.
Love,
Momma D
