Kids Teach Us the Darnedest Things

Sometimes big lessons come in small packages. With a baby on the way, we have received an overwhelming amount of advice. But come to find out, there is one big (yet small) piece of advice that will stick with me for the rest of my pregnancy and beyond.

This piece of advice came from my twin nieces whom I recently visited. Their advice to a 30 year old first time mother was, "Don't put food in my mouth when I'm still chewing." Another favorite from the other twin was, "Paint my fingernails and toenails pink! And take me to Disneyland to see all the princesses!"

I think kids are resilient, brutally honest, and most importantly so simple! I started to think about the times when I felt disconnected from my own parents. During those times, all I wished was for them to say those few simple words. This led me to think about how parents can show their children that they care in the simplest ways.

step one: Always listen to what children have to stay or at least pretend you are listening. They may not enter the world with instructions but are observant and can guide you through their needs.

step two: When they get a test back and they say, "I did not do so hot in my spelling." Tell them they did fantastic.

step there: Give them hugs before they go to bed.

step four: Don't say anything embarrassing to your child's friend, your coworkers, or your child's friend's mother.

step five: Always give your kids enough attention and the love they deserve.

Appreciation Shown in Vouchers

Try giving your children '˜Parenting Vouchers' to reward good behavior.

1.) good for: staying up one hour past bedtime

* restrictions apply: not valid on the night before a major test or when a parent has had a long day at the office and particularly sleep.

2.) control of TV for one hour

* valid only between 5 - 8pm, Monday through Friday and weekends until 10:00pm. Channel of choice must not involve any content deemed 'too grown up' by parent or supervising adult.

3. one trip to disney world

*expires on your 21st birthday

4. one sweet treat