My oldest daughter loves to read.
She doesn’t just lowercase letter love to read, either.
She full-blown all caps LOVES to read.
She reminds me so much of myself as a little girl.
I loved she read just as she does.
Homeschool has made all the difference in my relationship with this girl. Before we began homeschooling two years ago, I struggled with her.
I struggled to connect with her.
She was strong willed and we butted heads more times during the day that I would like to admit.
Homeschooling has given us a way to connect.
It has built up our relationship in so many ways. It has given her confidence and a purpose. It has given structure to her days, which she desperately needs.
One evening this week as she was placing her bookmark in her latest book and getting ready to go upstairs to bed, I looked at her and told her that she reminds me so much of myself.
She replied, “Oh, really, I’m like you? How?”
I explained that as a little girl I loved to read just as she does. (really, I still do)
She beamed all over to know that we were alike in this way and she wanted to know more ways in which we were alike.
I named several ways…and she went off to bed smiling, a happy little girl.
As she walked away, I realized that I need to take the time to do this with all of my children.
I need to take moments to connect with them, to affirm them, and to show them ways that we are alike.
Our little ones look up to us so much. We are their true role models. We are the example that they will look to.
Each of them have some of my personality traits that I can point out.
Doing so gives us a deeper connection to them.
It gives them such encouragement to let them know that they are like us in some way. That we appreciate them. And that we notice them.
Let’s take time today to purposefully connect with our children.
This post is linked to 5 Minute Friday at Lisa-Jo Baker, the Gypsy Mama.
Want to join in? Here’s how…
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back to The Gypsy Mama and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..
Meghan says
Love this post friend! You are so right. And off
I go to “connect” with my boys.
Meghan
Jen says
Monica, this is so beautiful! It is such a great reminder to connect with our kids & an encouragement to me specifically as I begin homeschooling my oldest (she’s 3) this year! Thank you so much for sharing your heart & your sweet connection with your daughter this week.
Jen
Barbie says
Such a beautiful post. We must seize every opportunity the Lord gives us to connect with our little ones. So thankful your daughter loves to read!
susan says
you are so right. why have i never thought to have this conversation with my children? ack!