Surviving the Domestic Jungle

My oldest daughter, Avery, won an award at school that was based on her character and being a good person. I was so incredibly proud of her! I always tell her to be kind to others and a good person but to see that her school actually thinks she is, is just an incredible feeling as a mom. She listens to me!! There was a little ceremony yesterday morning (very very early) and I took her and bought a whole new outfit for it. I am a big believer in positive reinforcement and with Avery, that comes in the form of clothes! She looked adorable walking up on stage to get her very first award. I was so proud of her! It got me thinking about the other types of awards you get at school which are usually academic and sport related. I decided that while I don’t care about sports, I do care that she is academically up to par, but ultimately, I would much rather her win an award for the kind of person she is. Anyone can study their way to the top but it takes a special person to be kind. You would think that would not be all that hard but have you ever met children? They are so mean and rude to each other! They say it exactly how they see it and have no social filter which is why as adults, we find what they say as funny but to their peers, things they say can be devastating. Avery is always coming home telling me something ridiculous that one of her friends have told her. The most recent is I wont love her after the baby is born. She seemed concerned about this but I told her she already had a sister and I still loved her after that! The day she told me one of her friends told her Santa wasn’t real was not fun. I’m a liar but I convinced her he was real. It doesn’t hurt to believe in magic just for a little while. You have the rest of your life to come to the realization that there is not much that is magical after Santa. I’m sure sex, drugs and alcohol will eventually come up but I think I am prepared for all of that. Kids grow up so fast these days and its sad. Oh well, I have a daughter who has a notable character and I could not be happier!!