momma mommy bwuh

I am bursting with pride for my boys—and for us as parents!

Last school year, their morning responsibilities included picking out their clothes, getting dressed, choosing breakfast, and selecting a snack. This year, we’ve expanded their duties to include filling their water bottles and making sure their backpacks are fully stocked with everything they need—snack, water, lunch, folder, and tablet.

One morning last week, our alarms didn’t go off (or maybe we just didn’t hear them—we’re not sure). We scrambled out of bed and rushed into the living room, only to find the boys sitting there with their elf notes. They were already dressed—shoes and socks included—their backpacks were packed to perfection, and their breakfast was neatly laid out on the counter, waiting for us to catch up.

We would have been late if it weren’t for their independent efforts. I’m so proud of them. Some might argue that having responsibilities might take away from their childhood, but these guys thrive on it. That morning, they strutted around like proud peacocks, clearly enjoying their roles and the sense of accomplishment that comes with them.

As parents, it’s our job to teach our kids life skills, right? And these boys are embracing it with enthusiasm. They not only make their beds and put away their laundry, but they also clean up after themselves and get ready for school independently. They love helping set the table and tackling little tasks like fetching something from downstairs. It’s not just about giving them a sense of achievement; it’s also about preparing them for the future when they’ll need to manage on their own—or, in case of parental oversights, when they’ll need to handle things even if we’re running behind!

I titled this post “moments” because it wasn’t just a single instance of pride; it was a moment when I was proud of both the boys and us as parents. Let’s face it: we are often our harshest critics, especially when it comes to parenting. So when our kids do something that shows we’re on the right track, it’s definitely worth celebrating.

What little responsibilities do your kids handle?

And what moments have made you proud of both them and yourself?

Featured image courtesy of DepositPhotos artist: Gaisonok.