It is absolutely lovely to parent a child who is a natural encourager. My daughter Bethany is one such child. If I finish my dinner, dress myself for the day or even just use the bathroom Bethany will congratulate me by saying, “Good job, Mommy”. If I’ve been really good, she’ll even give me a high five. Recently both Danny and Bethany ended up in my arms as I walked around the house. I said, “Whew! You kids are big!” Danny said, “Big, strong kids.” but Bethany said, “Big, strong Mommy.” She knows just how to melt my heart.
While I would probably continue to dress myself and finish my dinner without her encouragement, it has shown me how much we all need to be appreciated. My heart is so sensitive to her praise, especially since my days are mostly full of diaper changes, meal preparation, and mediating toddler battles- not a work environment where I’m likely to hear about what a great job I’m doing. Bethany’s example has encouraged me to reach out to other moms and offer them the same kind of love and praise my daughter so freely gives to me. It’s amazing to see how this universal language of love touches each of us and helps us stay dedicated to a job that can be tough even on its best days.