Scrolling Facebook today showed a ton of "back to school" pics.
So many moms post about being sad their children are growing up. Surrounded by other thoughts, they write: “I can’t believe I have a "grader! Fill in the blank with everything from “first” to “twelfth.”
I understand parents may enjoy certain stages and ages better than others. I understand parents might miss hugs, kisses, and funny things little children say. I remember the first time I arrived at my sister's home many years ago and none of their children ran up to greet me. It was different. I did miss it. But, kids grow up. That’s what they’re supposed to do.
What’s even worse are the occasional celebration posts about children going back to school. Maybe you’ve seen the “dancing monkey” post I have. I can’t watch it. I feel sick.
I understand the summer can be tough. If you work outside of your home, the summer has potential scheduling challenges and more. If you stay at home with children, it can be exhausting. Coming up with new ideas to keep them engaged might really be hard for you. Kids pick on siblings and test your patience. I get it.
Here’s the thing. Children pick up on our attitudes and moods. They know our beliefs from our behaviors. Absolutely! They can tell if our words are sincere. If we’re worried. If we’re sad. If we’re relieved. If we believe in them. If we’re tired of them.
Others see our posts. Children read them. Maybe not your kids, but lots of teens are on Facebook and what message are they picking up from what we’re writing? Might they now wonder if their moms feel the same way? Are your children’s grandparents on Facebook? Maybe you think we’re not responsible for what they or our children think. Maybe not, but we are responsible for what we post.