10 Things I Want My Kids To Remember About Me

As Mother’ Day approaches, I am so grateful for the opportunity to raise my 5 children.  Motherhood is not an easy job but it’s one of the most worthwhile and wonderful experiences of my life.   Our time is limited and if mine was cut short, these are 10 things I want my kids to remember about me!

1. I want my kids to know that not only did I tell them I loved them but I showed it as well.  This is pretty self explanatory but as I’ve talked to some people as adults they can’t remember their parents ever expressing their love out loud for their children.  We’ve all heard the expression the actions speak louder than words. Although I find it very important to tell my kids I love them I find it even more important for them to be shown how much I love them.  Hugs, kisses, and cuddles are a memory I want my children to always have of their mom!
2. I made mistakes and so will they.  The important part is that we learn from those mistakes.  I know without a doubt my kids will never wonder if I am perfect because we all know I am not even close to that!  In spite of making mistakes, I have always tried to learn from those mistakes.  In order to grow we all need to make mistakes and learn from them.
3. I loved my husband and in a family, mom and dad’s relationship is crucial for the family to function properly.  I don’t know how much my kids will remember about my divorce.  I do know that I want them to understand what makes a healthy family and that is a mom and dad who love each other put each other first, and because of that love, the family unit is healthy and thrives.
4. I prayed for my family and with my family.  I think it’s important for our children to see that we pray and that we show them how to pray.  By being a role model, we are being kingdom builders!
5. That I loved myself.  One of the best ways to show my children how much I love them is by taking care of myself.  Self-care (doing things to keep me healthy spiritually, physically and emotionally) is one of the best ways to show others that I take care of myself and love others because of it.  When I can give myself a break when I need it and do things that I enjoy, I am able to take better care of my children, be happier, and live a more fulfilled life which in the end correlates to a happier marriage a happy your mommy and a happy your family.
6. I played with them.  I’m really concerned in this age of technology with cell phones, iPads, tablets, and computers, that our kids are starting to feel non existent. it’s very easy to go out for supper and see moms and dads on their phones, grandma and grandpa on their phones, kids on their phones, kids on tablets, and no one is talking or interacting with each other!  I didn’t have kids to be a bystander, I had kids to be a mother and I want to live in a way that demonstrates that
7. I lived by my priorities and with intention and purpose.  I put God 1st, my family 2nd and work third.  When I think about living an intentional life the first thing I think about is knowing your purpose and your priorities.  Once you do, you need to ask yourself if you are actually living according to those priorities. I don’t want my kids growing up to think that my blog is more important than they are, or that work is more important than they are, or that having a clean house is more important than they are, or that having a full schedule is more important than living a life with my family where we interact, have fun, and enjoy each others company
8. I value education, but I want you to find a profession doing what you love.  After college I had a degree and no plan.  I had a plan when I first started college and working towards my degree.  That plan was that I would go on to graduate school until I had completed all my education in order to be a therapist. However, life changes our plans! I got married, had a baby, and no longer had the freedom to pursue my education the way I initially had planned on.  (I’m not blaming my exhusband for this, I was equally responsible for getting married and having a child which I love but by changing my priorities I wasted four years of college on a degree that will not serve me professionally now.)  I want my children to pursue what they are passionate about and find a career that fits their passions.
9. I enjoyed having fun.  Moms have fun even though they are moms.  I like to play games, sports, read, and do other activities that not only are challenging but create laughter and enjoyment.  Life is too short to always be
10. I put your needs first throughout my entire life and I’d do it all over again.  It wasn’t always easy.  There were many nights I cried myself to sleep wondering if I messed you up, because my heart ached over something you were going through, or that I wasn’t right for the job as your mother.  I always wanted the best for you. I loved you through it all and I still do.  I am so proud to be your mom!

What do you want your kids to remember about you?