Everyone Makes Mistakes

Last night Desiree(6) and I had a whispered heart to heart as I tucked her into bed. Desiree said, "Mom, you know what I like about you? ... You aren't strict like other moms. When I make a mistake you don't say "You did that on purpose!"

It really touched my heart to hear her say that because that's the kind of mom I strive to be -- the kind who allows mistakes and shows my kids love despite those mistakes. In an effort to curb predisposed perfectionism in my kids I often say "That can happen" or "Everyone makes mistakes". When I was a kid I remember the feeling that only kids made mistakes and adults were somehow perfected with age.

Today Elijah(3) spilled the container of milk at the breakfast table. I came to evaluate the situation and found that he had placed a dishcloth over the spill. He had, however, failed to pick up the container of milk and so the spill continued off to the side unnoticed by him.

What a reminder that we need to fix our mistakes -- not hide them. In an effort to appear like we have it all together we are denying the truth. By hiding our mistakes, we may make others (our kids included) feel like failures.

We need to be more transparent -- willing to show our flaws and failures with one another -- and certainly with our children. Saying "Sorry" or "I was wrong" to your child may be humbling for you, but teaches a lesson far greater. Everyone makes mistakes.


~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~