Is This My Child You Are Speaking Of...

I am always amazed when I go to preschool parent/teacher conferences. They compliment me on what a joy it is to have my child in class that he is so kind and thoughtful and I had gotten that same compliment for the older boys. I think to myself, are we talking about the same little boy who fights with his brothers, doesn't like to share with his brothers,  and doesn't have any patience at home. Well, at least my parenting isn't falling on deaf ears.

Jordan had his conference yesterday at his preschool and the teacher was commenting how kind, patience and loving he is. He has never been mean to anyone or had a fit. She even showed me a drawing he did that he focused on for quite awhile before just giving up and politely telling her he couldn't draw a face but the paper was covered with marker not only on the front but the back as well.  He tried so hard. They were supposed to draw a self portrait for the beginning of the year and they do one at the end of the year. She isn't really looking at the picture itself but if they can stay focused on the project. I was amazed because if he would have been at home he would have tossed that marker across the kitchen table and yelled, "I can't do this!".  So I had to laugh when she telling me this.

It feels good when you get that validation as a mother, because as a stay home mom you don't get pats on the back for doing homework, making sure the boys don't hurt each other, that the dog is still alive, folding the laundry, washing the dishes, vacuuming, making the bed, or actually just keeping the house from not being destroyed. You sometimes wonder if you are doing a good job or not. Your rewards come to you in different ways and different stages. I am not making the big deals at work, creating a wonderful powerpoint presentation or creating some innovative tool or application. I am trying to raise three boys. To me that's the most important job I could ever have!