Lack of Appreciation

The lack of appreciation is probably one of the biggest "attitude" problems one gets from teenagers these days.

I felt this strongly eversince becoming a stay-home-mom. Everything the mom does for the family becomes a dutibound job. Example, like sending kids to school, swimming lessons, piano, friends' place, badminton game, shopping complex for hangouts, all become a mom's job and therefore expected to do so.

And when at times, it could not be fulfilled, for example, late for picking up, or could not meet the time arranged, the unhappy face would somewhat show.

On the other hand, when the kid needs to request the father to provide the transportation services once in a while, it is often followed by a word of appreciation of "Thank You !" Probably because this is outside dad's "job scope".

"Such unfair treatment !", I would scream out ! Where is the appreciation for the one who does it regularly? It is often at these situations that I wonder if being a stay-home-mom is really a wise choice at all. Emotionally, it is more taxing because you are dealing with your own flesh and blood, more frequent contact points and more opportune conflicts. But it is also at these times that one must quickly recall the moments of togetherness between mother and son, be it stuck in a jam or enjoying a radio song together in a journey; those moments glaringly missing had I still be serving a company.

Yeah, being appreciated is a bonus. Even if it is not so forthcoming, do not let the lack of it to hinder positive parenting.

Positive Persistence

I read from a parenting book on one of the most important values to teach our kids is
the value of positive persistence .. that is never quit.

Quoting from the book,
"Quitters never win, Winners never quit."

Well, I sure see some of these values coming from my kids, when the need arises like,
when my teenage boy persisted in his argument that he didn't have enough time for homework where actually he could find time for his all-important TV program.
OK, that's persistent argument. And they want to win their argument.

Normally, I would just let them think that they are all-mighty right because whatever reasoning you try to drum in at that time would be futile. They are just not in the listening mode.
So, I exercise my positive persistence to talk some sense when they least expected it, when they have let their guard down. I sure like to believe the author of the book is right. Never quit, parents. Your kids are not going to be excited about your persistence but I am sure they will be thankful one day.