Inspired by "What are you doing differently" thread...what do you do the same?

[SDFgirl]

Okay, I got to thinking about the thread, "What are you doing differently to raise your kids than your parents did?" I said that I would allow my children to sometimes be in a sad mood and not telling them to snap out of it.

But then I thought about what I'd like to do the SAME as my parents when I have kids. My parents were always really good at having fun with us. We sang a lot, told stories, laughed, went on trips. I hope I can be as fun for my kids as my parents were.

So, inspired by the other thread...what traits or qualities did your parents have that you'd like to have with your own kids?

 

[DisneyAddict_M]

I take her to WDW as often as possible!

 

[NMAmy]

One thing I'm really reminded of mainly because of another thread is that my mom never shied away from talking to us about the birds and the bees. Nothing was off limits and she'd explain everything in an age appropriate way and we never felt weird asking her questions. I've gone the same way with dd. I also teach dd to be independent just like my mom did with me--you can't wait for a man to take care of you and there is no reason not to learn to take care of yourself.

My dad had a great sense of humor and was really a wonderful father--always there for his kids. He was an architect and had been an art major and shared that with all of us--we had plenty of art supplies and a willing teacher all the time. I hope I'm as patient at teaching things as my dad was.

 

[snoopy]

I couldn't even answer that other thread....I sure hope I'm not doing much differently than my parents, who were wonderful and nurturing. I miss them and their guidance so much.

One invaluable tool my mother taught us and I am teaching my kids is to learn to entertain themselves. Whenever we cried about being bored my mother said, "oh really? Well I've got a floor that needs mopping and a drawer that needs cleaning out, and a toliet that needs scrubbing" and before you knew it, we found something reallllllly interesting to do in place of her ideas. I do not believe in coddling children in that manner....they do not need to be entertained 24/7. My kids are pretty good about picking up a book or drawing or doing something that will entertain them when I'm not around to help. I'm proud of that fact.

 

[Maleficent13]

Hopefully, everything.

 

[aprincessmom]

Hopefully, everything.

Ditto

 

[Tigger&Belle]

One invaluable tool my mother taught us and I am teaching my kids is to learn to entertain themselves. Whenever we cried about being bored my mother said, "oh really? Well I've got a floor that needs mopping and a drawer that needs cleaning out, and a toliet that needs scrubbing" and before you knew it, we found something reallllllly interesting to do in place of her ideas.

Sounds JUST like my mother and like me!

 

[KelNottAt]

We don't start dinner until everyone is seated at the table and one of the children has said grace. We're so used to it that we've all confided that it feels kinda weird to be at someone else house and to start eating before these things are done.

Oh, also...one of my parent's favorite "tie breaker" rules was the odd/even rule. I was born on an even day, DSis was born on an odd day. Whenever something needed to be done on the spot, odd/even made the decision.

That is, I did the chores and stuff on even days and DSis did them on odd. Who's turn to set the table and say grace? Check odd/even. Put out the trash? Check odd/even. Run into the 7-11 for milk during the pounding rain? depends on the date. It kept things really fair.

 

[WDWAurora]

I hope my door will always be open...My dad was always glad to have people for dinner and let them come over to play with me, whatever. My mom always thought it was a little bit of a bother, but my dad always took in anyone. I even brought a friend home from college for Easter once-no big deal! I always want my kids to feel like their friends are welcome in my home.

 

[bajanswife]

Here are some things that we do that we learned from my parents:

- we believe firmly in "say what you mean and mean what you say". Follow through is very important, and we never make idle threats. The kids have always known that if I say something, I mean it, and I will follow through.

- we phrase things positively if we can e.g. instead of saying DON'T, we say what they should be doing instead e.g. "please walk" instead of "don't run" etc.

- we are specific in our praise and encouragement e.g. we hardly use "good job" alone. We try to say what it is that's good about what our child did/is doing, as a way of making them fully aware of what they are being praised for or encouraged to do.

- we foster independence wherever possible - kids should learn to do as much for themselves at as early an age as is safe and practical. That builds confidence in them (and gives you a break too!).

- we are very affectionate - lots of hugs and kisses between parent and child, and between parents.

- we believe in reasonably healthy eating (but aren't super strict about it). We read labels and avoid most artificial stuff. Both mum and I had our kids completely naturally and without meds, so when she was with me for my births she understood exactly what I was going through, and she was really helpful!