Monday, May 23, 2011

Raising Kids: What Would You Do Differently?

I have started to feel that preparations for Jack’s High School graduation are necessary. Just a little exaggeration, but after celebrating Jack’s birthday with the three of us while Wyatt was still in the NICU, we wanted to have a party with our families. So this weekend was yet another reminder for me of just how fast our kids will grow up. We have been advised time and time again from other parents to enjoy it while it lasts, because it goes fast.

And while looking through pictures of Jack’s first two years I thought to myself, “Wasn’t it just last week that we were waiting for his arrival in Kansas?” And I found myself spacing out in a daydream realizing that he will be old enough to go to kindergarten in three years!

It is going too fast and we are trying to enjoy our boys as much as possible. I am also seeking to grow in how to build into them, guide them, teach them, discipline them, etc. Alicia and I talk often about how we are spending time with our boys and how we are disciplining them. But I recently heard my sister ask a question of other parents.

“What is one thing you would do differently if you could do it all over again?”

It’s a simple and maybe a common question, but a great question.

So, what would you do?

6 comments:

Doug Sandquist said...

Stop by the playground more often on the way by, especially if they ask to stop. You're not that busy.

Ted & Alicia said...

Good word Doug. I know how easy it can be to push aside that kind of quality time because we are in a hurry or "too busy".

Mark & Katie said...

I'm still in the process of doing all the things I'll regret later. So, I'll let you know what I would've done differently in 20 years.

Ted & Alicia said...

Yeah Katie, that's how I feel. Let's touch base in 20 years. Well, let's hang out before then, but we'll talk about this in 20 years.

Mom said...

I think you are doing a GREAT job. We are blessed, but I KNOW we could have been better parents. Keep your cool, especially over little things that don't matter. Take time to be fun. I'm sure I will have more to share here and there.

Ted & Alicia said...

I'm learning how difficult that is to keep my cool. When there is constant whining and nagging from a two year old, it becomes extremely difficult. Which doesn't justify my own behavior.