When my kids were young and overactive, my idea of a great Mother’s Day was to have them be somewhere away from me. It was a breather that I sorely needed. As they got older I realized that like all kids, their friends would soon take precedence, and I had to take steps to train them to help me maintain a relationship.
They don’t owe me. If I’ve done a good job they don’t need me. My goal is that they will want my company and my input.
When they hit age ten I began a campaign that my Mother’s Day gift was time – their time, with me. I made sure that the time they spent with me was enjoyable for them, and preferably for me, too. That meant no video games, but maybe movies we all liked, or cards. Having fun together is good for relationships of all kinds.
Extract
Insights Column
May 2013
Tone Magazine
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