As parents, it is our job to teach our children right from wrong. One of the things that my parents drummed into my tiny little pointed head was to tell the truth. It will hurt less in the long run, for one thing. The other reason is obvious. My punishments were alot less severe when I confessed to my misdeeds upfront. I had a hard time learning that.
We are passing that lesson on to our children and sometimes I think that it will never work. And then there are times, like today, when I see the light at the end of the tunnel.
A couple of nights ago, my Meelie knocked my POSSLQ's Palm Pilot off the shelf. Ok, let's get real here. She was playing with it, without asking, and dropped it. The back came off, and the batteries fell out. No real big deal, but that wasn't all that happened. The screen cracked in a few places. It worked, unless you wanted to write something (graffiti). She was pretty upset but came and told me about it right away.
So I told her that she was the one that needed to tell Dad. I told her that I wasn't gong to say anything to him unless he asked me, and if he did, I wasn't going to lie. It turned out he really never asked, just noticed that it wasn't fully operational. I didn't have to say anything.
Last night, when he was out with the girls for their weekly dinner, she confessed to him that she was the one who broke it. How cool is that? Bless his heart, he didn't rant and rave about it. He ended up going and picking up a new one today (new and improved!), and all was right with his world.
I'm really proud of her. Really, really proud. We must be doing something right.
Comments
Isn't it wonderful when the kids do something that tells us that all of this stuff we're teaching them isn't going in one ear and out the other? I'm finally seeing that with my oldest, who is 5, and just the other day I actually heard my 2 year old say "sorry". Granted, I'm not sure if he really knows what it means, judging from that smirk on his face, but it's a step in the right direction.
(visiting from Blog blah blah... this is a great blog you have here!)
Posted by: manababies at March 9, 2006 10:01 PM
You and husband have done well with your kids. Good for Meelie for owning up to what happened. A gold star in your book.
Posted by: motherkitty at March 10, 2006 1:34 AM
you are doing wonderfully and the proof is in her sweet honest face!
Posted by: oddybobo at March 10, 2006 9:55 AM
Wow. I hope my kids learn as well as yours and I teach as well. Great job.
Posted by: vw bug at March 10, 2006 11:14 AM
**give Meelie a big hug for owning up**
Yeah I know all about that kinda thing it wasn't as major as a Palm Pilot but I was caught and got worse than I would have had I 'fessed up in the 1st place.
Posted by: Gopher at March 10, 2006 1:55 PM
Moogie, you are right to be proud. What Meelie did in owning up was very sweet and honest.
It sounds like you handled the situation with great aplomb. I love reading parenting stories like this, as I get ideas about how to deal with my kids. Thanks Moogie!
Posted by: jellyhead at March 10, 2006 4:45 PM
it's so wonderful to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel and they really can be taught! Just when you think you're not doing anything right...the kids prove they actually listened! You're a great Mom Moogs!
Posted by: Suzanne at March 10, 2006 6:47 PM
Yes, you are doing something right with your kids. Bless her little heart.
We taught our kids right from wrong too, and always told them that one thing we didn't like was for them to lie or steal. So they came to us with everything. Even when they ditched school for the day. :) And they kept their grades and graduated with honors, and Cum Laude.
Posted by: Ma at March 10, 2006 8:00 PM
Wow. Those are the moments we live for as parents, aren't they? Good for her (and you and your Hubby) she did a good job. :)
Posted by: Richmond at March 11, 2006 7:38 AM
That brought a smile this morning. It's those wonderful moments that make all the tryin' times easier to take.
Good Job Moogie. You *are* doin' something right!!! And you should be very proud.
Posted by: Tammi at March 11, 2006 9:12 AM
I used to love it when stuff like that happend. It can make your whole month...
Posted by: Zoots Mom at March 11, 2006 4:28 PM
Honesty is always the best policy, and it sounds like your daughter's on the right road.
I find it funny how sometimes people call children "innocent." Yes, they are naive and vulnerable, and need our protection until they can fend for themselves. But do we teach our kids to lie? No, they know how to do it from birth. It's up to us to guide them and help them to make better choices when it's up to them.
Posted by: Texas T-bone at March 12, 2006 11:53 AM
