I have found no matter how many parenting books I read or creative plans I come up with, it is really my children who help me become a better parent. This week it was Emma who pulled me out of my parenting rut – that really I didn’t realize I was in.
I admit I have been a little involved in getting our new school year ready and taking care of some Primary needs, that my kids have had the raw end of the deal the last little while. When Emma asked me this week, out of the blue, if she could make a quilt, I felt she was really asking for some one-on-one time with me.
Instead of pushing the large project off, I uncharacteristically dropped everything. We spent the afternoon tracing and cutting out blocks for a patchwork quilt.
Of course, her initial plan was to embroider something on each square so I had to explain that would take a LONG time and it was probably best for her first quilt to start with something simple. Thankfully she was quick to agree.
I helped her pin her first two squares together, showed her the basics of the sewing machine as well as where to line up her fabric and she was off.
I really thought the project would have to be more hands-on for me, but I was surprised. How many more skills have I put off teaching her because I thought she wasn’t ready? I am so glad she is creative and confident enough to try something new when she feels she is ready.
Emma’s other project for me this week? Running! I have always enjoyed running, but since having kids, it is just something that I haven’t had much motivation to do. Last night at the dinner table, Emma asked if we could start running. I thought it was a great idea . . . when school starts next week. We’ll make a schedule and make it work (for those of you who know me really well, this is SO me). Emma is the type of person that begins something immediately after the thought occurs (thus the quilt project). Not to be deterred in her quest for running time, Emma informed me that we would be running in the morning – she had her clothes already set out and her alarm clock set for 5:51 a.m. so she could get me up. Inwardly I was happy for this great motivator.
At 5:55 a.m. this morning I was gently prodded awake and we were off for a morning run. It was so great to be out first thing in the morning together. I am hoping to be woken up for many morning runs in the future. If I can’t get myself up in the morning to go running, at least I know I have someone depending on me, who is not only helping me become a better “me” but a better person and, more importantly, a better mother.
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