Words /Sayings I Would Want My Children to Know

As I think about the book Beloved, I am so grateful for my life and my relationships with my mother, my children and my family in general. I could not even imagine if I was like Sethe, from Beloved, and did not get to know my mother and later had such a tragic relationship with my children.  I got to thinking about what I would want to tell my children( especially when/if my daughter becomes a mother). What if we were separated or they never knew me?  What would I want them to know? Since my thoughts range in themes I will list below.....


“In certain cases don't listen to others advice do what you want to do.....if rocking your baby to sleep every night makes you happy do it...But, be aware, they may expect it every night for years...ask yourself if you will enjoy it then?”(Deeanna Privette-friend) ( I have decided yes, to a point and have had many cuddling moments and relaxing talking times since .)

“If your house is messy and you have guests, at least they will feel better about how clean their house is” ( Penny De Loca- my mother)

“Lay out a few options of outfits for your son/daughter to pick from...Then she will feel like it was his/her choice “ ( unknown ) ( I have gone overboard and forgotten this one; i.e. I have let my 3^rd child wear costumes all day- Go Buzz Light Year!)

“Distract the toddler verses fight with them.” ( unknown )

“If your baby is crying for along time and you have had enough, place them in a safe crib and walk away for a minute...it is O.K. “ ( Penny De Loca -baby shower advice I at first though was too mean)

“Choose your battles” (unknown)

“ A little dirt does not hurt... it will strengthen their immune system” ( heard many times in the sandbox)

“Spank only as a last resort for extremely bad behavior …. Time outs and taking away what they are playing with or want most is more effective” ( Psychology classes & Penny De Loca)

“The only things you can control are your attitude and how you react to a situation”. ( positive mental attitude books & my husband Bobby)

“ Speak the positive about what you want your child to do ...they may just start doing it” ...In example say, ”I am so glad you are sharing your toys...” ( Lauren Casey & Hung by the Tongue)

“Be independent and get a good education....do not be completely reliant on a man/husband....have a little of your own money...” ( heard this in many forms, but most influential was from my great aunt Fannie who was a Lawyer back in the 1930's!)

“Go out with your husband at least once a month and do not talk about the kids”. ( my mother-in law who did most the babysitting)

“ 'Life is short' ...your grandfather died just weeks after his retirement ….(finance wise) God/life will give you what you need....”( Penny De Loca )

“Take care of yourself(mind-attitude) and your body, in doing so we can take care of/serve others so much better”. ( I have heard similar saying at the end of Yoga classes...When I teach, I usually say something like this)