I’ve posted this kind of stuff in the past. I think it is important for those of us who are AP/GBD/gentle parenting to make sure that we talk about our successes. There are often complaints on GCM about the fact that it seems like everyone is raising terrible kids. This impression can come from the fact that people read the GD/GBD forum, and the only people who post in there are people that need help – not people who are already doing it and reaping the rewards. If you’re doing it well, and know what to do, then you will rarely be posting in that kind of forum. The GD/GBD forum can give a skewed view to the outside world, and that part is sad. Thankfully it is also an amazing resource if you are having problems, but it is not always the place to go for encouragement.
So anyways, for my latest happy story:
Tonight we went out to The Outback for dinner (yum!) When we were about halfway through our meal, an older woman came over to our table and said “I wanted to come over here and commend you for the job that you are doing on raising your children. They are them most well-behaved children I have ever seen and it is obvious that you are great parents by the way that you interact. This is one of the hardest ages for children, and you are doing an amazing job.” She went on for a few minutes making us blush ;) She had grown children at the table with her, so she’s definitely been through parenting. Once she left, dh and I smiled to each other, and blushed a little more, because she was so sweet about it.
The thing is – its not like today is a perfect day. Julia (3) spiked a fever last night and is all stuffy. She had a pretty rough day because she is sick. It was a really nice reminder that the fruits of GBD are apparent even when your kids are sick or overtired or having a bad day or all of the above.
I have been so blessed to have wonderful parents to model grace based discipline to me. I was raised this way, and I know that they will never know how much they blessed me through their parenting choices. It gives me joy to think that we have the opportunity to give our children the same blessing.
Tricia says
What a wonderful moment! How nice of her to take the time to acknowledge the work you’ve put into parenting.