Today The Stir has an article on 16 Things Elizabeth Edwards’ Children Need to Know. As a mom, thinking of leaving my son behind is absolutely heartbreaking. Not seeing his high school graduation, meeting his first love (so I can embarass him), seeing what he looks like as a man, all are unimagineable. More importantly, not being able to pass on my thoughts, opinions, and “wisdom” to him and not being certain if he will be raised my way is even scarier.
So to all those loved ones who read this blog and are a part of Matthew’s life, here are my top 10 instructions for how to raise the stinker…
1. God is who you need him/her to be. Please be sure that Matthew continues to understand that each of us have our own personal relationship with the divine and no one has a right to say which way is the only way because there is no one correct way.
2. Stop worrying about who or what is better and enjoy diversity and difference. This goes for superheroes, gender, race, ethnicity, and everything else he puts into his constant competition for what is best. Remind him of this often.
3. Never let fear stop you from standing up for someone. Matthew often finds himself in trouble for stepping into fights at school so he can help a friend. I shrug these off because I am so incredibly proud of him for helping the underdog. I hope he keeps it up. Please forgive these instances.
4. You can’t be perfect, you can only be your best you. Please remind him that he needs to work hard and make his best choices, but he never, ever has to be perfect.
5. Music is important, it feeds your soul. Matthew sings. I love it. He sings in the shower, he sings in the car, he sings when he is sitting on the pot. He also plays guitar and it is essential that there always be a musical outlet in his life. It is part of his soul.
6. Don’t worry about looking like a fool, just dance. The kid can dance and loves to entertain us with those dance moves. I fear what teen peer pressure will do to this trait.
7. There can never be too many LEGOS. Really, that one is pretty simple.
8. You can never be too old for hugs. Make him hug the people he loves, even if he is 16 and too cool. Everyone needs hugs.
9. Farting isn’t funny. This will need to be stated often and for the rest of his life (he is a guy after all).
10. Books are magic. Have books around, read to him, have him read to you, spend hours at the library and Barnes and Noble.
And the 11th and most important
You are loved. Just tell him that often.
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17 Responses to Instructions for Raising Matthew
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My name is Jacki and I am a divorced, Pagan mom trying to raise a son in a blended interfaith family. At The Raven's Spell you will find musings on motherhood, spirituality, divorce, and the blending of families. If you enjoy what you read, please be sure to find a way to follow.
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Great list! Happy SITS day !
Twitter: hinessightblog
says:
A beautiful list. I’ve enjoyed stopping in and learning more about you.
Twitter: sheri_silver
says:
I loved this post – I think about this all the time, especially now that I”m raising a little one again (I have one at 20, one that’s 15 and now a 3 year old!). It’s something I hate to ponder yet it would be wise to do as you’ve done – beautiful post.
Thank you. I am glad you enjoyed the post. I can’t imagine what it is like to be raising a little one when the others are nearly grown. Heck, I can’t imagine having the energy for a baby at this point in my life. So congrats to you!
I was drawn to this post because I have Lupus and I do not know how long I have left, I just don’t know what path my disease will take. You did a great job on leaving instructions on how to raise your son. It is nice to meet you.
Emily recently posted..Disability: Denied
Twitter: SuburbanLifeJo
says:
That is very nice! I think it is great that music is so important to him because I also love music. I do remember right after having my daughter being horrified upon hearing that a mom died who recently had a baby or had very young children. They are so incredible and special that it is hard to think of being taken away from them just when you were given the job of raising and loving them.
Joanne recently posted..Chili Toast- Warm Up Those Little Hearts
Whenever I hear of a mother passing away, I can’t help but want to run home and hug (and never let go of) my son. I can’t even imagine what life would have been like without my mom. Thanks for stopping by.
Twitter: ziggy1962
says:
Those are great instructions. I don’t like to think about the possiblity of me not being there for my two girls either.
Happy SITS Day!
Laura recently posted..YOUR TEEN AND IDENTITY THEFT
Love #6!
Enjoy your SITS day!
Morgan recently posted..I’ll Be Home for Christmas
This is great! Number 9 is my fav—more boys need to be told this over and over.
this is a LOVELY post- I need to get on this shizz, asap. Mommy CarKisses for everyone!
SarahK recently posted..27 Weeks.
Twitter: pjgamers
says:
I love #9 because boys really do need to hear it no matter how old they are!
this is a very sweet list – it must’ve been difficult to write.
Jill of Pjgamers recently posted..Super Mario Galaxy Review
Seriously, I don’t know how many times I have to tell him… he just doesn’t get it. Really not funny.
Twitter: dollsarealright
says:
An important list for all of us to have, whether we are moms who would leave our children or beloveds leaving our beloved ~ a sure sign of love.
Twitter: kvalentini
says:
List posts are always fun to read. Happy SITS day!
MommyCribNotes.com recently posted..Birthday Party Meaning
Twitter: VenusLeeloo
says:
What a lovely list! I can’t imagine not being around for my little guy, either. Your son is lucky to have you as his mother!
Venus recently posted..Thankful Tuesdays: My Liver
Twitter: decondemand
says:
Guys never seem to get over #9, ha!
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