raise happy children

Nurture and Nature combine!

I want my kids to be happy and feel safe. I want to raise them lovingly but with sufficient boundaries to make them good people.

considering the difficulty of their early years i can only hope that time has healed much of their wounds, and that the offending third party was removed before the damage cut too deep. they’re beautiful, deep and kind, and i want them to stay that way, despite whatever hurdles life might throw their way.

Is the secret to raise happy kids to be happy yourself? So far… I think thats what we’re doing… and it seems to be working. My little 14 month old amused herself in the car this morning for over an hour.. laughing to herself.

Cool huh?

Jen~

We had and apple party and read books. I picked up my 1 year old every time I could when he asked. Such a different way to live. It is so easy to slip into a no intesive world when your children would drink bleach if they could.

My boys are the sweetest kids ever. 15 hours in a car and they did great. No crying, complaining or fighting. Does that mean they’re happy? Yes.

This also is very broad. I don’t want to raise spoiled children, or make sure they have everything they want. I don’t think tha’s what makes kids happy, cause they will always come up with more things to want. I want to be there for my kids, I want them to trust me, and to have fun with their lives. I want them to come to me when they are ready to have sex, and get all the information (or medication) they need to be safe and not get pregnant. I want them to go to the mall with their friends and always ask for money so they don’t have to steal. I want them to go to concerts and have a blast with their friends. I want them to go to Prom if they want to and if not throw a huge anti-prom party at our house. Sooner than that though, I want to spend more time with them, and create that bond, that will lead to the things I want for them later in life.

Again, this goal is really hard to define. I really want to raise children that are satisfied with life, treat others with respect, and know how to have meaningful relationships. But with all the conflicting advice on childbearing (that word sounds so antiquated), how do you know what to do? I guess my first step would be to actually give birth….haha!

Patrick’s b-day party was Sunday and he is just the sweetest kid. He’s so laid back and easy going. Not one bit of jealousy or problems since Ben was born (9 months!) I don’t know how I lucked out with these kids. I think that I have a part in their personalities, but you can tell that they are the way they are because that’s how they were born. My job is to support them and let them know that the way they are is perfect!

4 years old and eight months. The are the happiest kids I’ve ever seen. They make me happy too!