I watched her with her children today…
I watched her with her children today.
The gentle voice. The soft instruction.
She didn’t try to moderate disagreements from where she was at the kitchen counter; she didn’t wait until she was finished mixing the cornbread to explain their error.
Swiftly, silently she was there dealing with the offender.
She wasn’t so engrossed in her work that she could turn a deaf ear to the upset voices; she wasn’t more intent on her task than on her children.
She was awake and attentive to the constant need for instruction.
I listened in her home today.
Peaceful. Playful. Quiet. Happy.
We swapped ideas about teaching reading and sharing. We discussed titles and concepts of parenting books and methods.
She’s not perfect, and neither are they.
But what struck me most was what she didn’t say, the tone that wasn’t in her voice.
What I heard was the loving, patient way she spoke to each one of putting her sister first.
What they saw was that she put them first.
So beautifully observed and shared. Makes every mom, or at least me, wish I could be like her, whoever she is. xoxo
I’m not a mother, but I am a big sister! This is my big challenge now. Thank you so much, this came when I needed it! <3 Blessings!
So sweet! I want to be a Mamma like that someday!
hmmm… yes.
Ah, *love*.
Lovely. I’m not a wife and mother yet, but sometimes I see mothers with children and think, “Yes! I want to be like that someday!” That’s how this post makes me feel too …
“We swapped ideas about teaching reading and sharing. We discussed titles and concepts of parenting books and methods.”
Wow…my heart has been soaking in this simple little post for some time now. My little one is just 6 months old, but my heart is so hungry for real live example of such a mother in my own life.
Please, Gretchen, could you share some of the parenting books and/or teachings that you discussed in this conversation…the ones that have been the most helpful? I know you’re such a busy mommy…if you have time…?
Thanks!!
Oh, this was very inspiring, Gretchen!
Mothering is a very daunting task, even mothering a 23 day old…
“what she didn’t say, the tone that wasn’t in her voice” louder than words.
In her mouth is the law of kindness – this is my desire for this new year.
Thank you for saying it so sweetly.
I *so* need to get better at that. Thanks for the inspiration. 🙂
HUGS
Your post on “efficiency” was a real inspiration to me in this area (http://jessicatelian.wordpress.com/2011/08/30/efficiency-and-mothering/), even though I’ve never had the privilege of personally sitting in your kitchen and watching you with your littles!