halrunkel
Most every parent knows what it’s like to feel under-appreciated. The words “ungrateful” and “child” seem to fit together so naturally and describe so perfectly our children’s knack for showing an underwhelming amount of appreciation for the sacrifices we make and the lengths to which we go on their behalf.
But who’s really out of line here?
In our interactions with our children, as with anything else in life, what we choose is not nearly as important as why we choose it. If we are making choices for the sake of a desired outcome, we’re not only setting ourselves up for disappointment, we’re choosing our actions for the wrong reasons. If the main reason you’re making dinner is to receive a round of applause from the kids, you’re giving them too much power.
Making dinner because you want to eat a good meal with your kids sets an expectation you can fulfill without having to rely on anyone but yourself. A thanks from them, if it
comes, is gravy.
“Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he will never be disappointed.” (Alexander Pope)
Peace begins with a pause,
Hal
