Our family lives less than a block from an elementary school. What a plus for a family with five kids under the age of twelve! I highly recommend it. I digress...
Our two that attend that school ride their bikes or walk everyday, so I only take our middle-schooler to school in the mornings. We actually only live about a mile from that school, and she wants to ride her bike, but, it's so busy with cars and buses that I just don't let her.
Every day, and I mean every day, we see the same sight - a mom and daughter walking to school together. The mom carries the backpack and the daughter walks beside her. I also see the mom walking home alone while I am exiting the school. Every day.
Rachel (11) commented on this sight this morning. She said, "Mom, you would never do that." She's absolutely right. I wouldn't, and I don't. I think it's wonderful that this mom dotes on her daughter. I think it's wonderful that they have that time together every day. I can only assume that she does the same in the afternoons (I wouldn't know, though, because I make my daughter ride the bus home).
After I dropped Rae at the door of her school, she walked in with a friend she saw and they were busy chatting about whatever middle school girls chat about. She's fine; she's independent and she's secure. Should I be doting on her more? Does she understand why I don't dote on her the way she sees that other mom doting on her daughter? Will she raise secure, independent daughters?
I will see that mom again tomorrow, walking her daughter to school, carrying her backpack for her daughter and wonder. Maybe, I think, this mom is there to remind me that she can raise her daughter her way and I can raise mine my way. We all know our children and our capabilities the best. I cannot second guess her, and I should not doubt myself. Neither should you.
21 May 2009
Musings
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4 screams from the fans...:
I'm like you, I would NEVER carry the back pack. Maybe it's too much experience of ALWAYS being asked to carry stuff. I want my kids to be independent also. You are right, it is nice to see a mother and daughter together. That is a nice moment for them to share. I loved this post. Thanks.
I loved this post as well. It makes me think...
Hehe. Walking to school with your daughter is one thing. Carrying the backpack? Not a chance. You carried yours, she can carry hers. ;)
Oh man... It's been way too long since I've read up on people's blogs! I've been missing out on your posts! This one, I just want you to know... the girl you see walking in the mornings may be watching you drive past her every day and saying to her mom "you would never do that, mom." And that mom might be thinking - yup! You're right kid! I'd never drive you to school when we live so close! You can learn to get up early enough for the walk, and if you're late, tough! I'm not letting you off easy with a ride to school! We just never know reasons behind the reasons... and may I remind you that you ARE having time with your daughter each day on the way to school too! It's just not walking, it's riding together! You're a great mom, Tina! We all know it!
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