How do I. . .

. . . teach my kids to think a little more of others and a little less of themselves?

Noel had a friend over this afternoon and although things went fine and turned out pretty good in the end, she was a little . . . "me" girl.  She didn't want to listen to what her friend had to say.  She didn't want to do what her friend wanted.  It was all about her.  I don't see this as much when she is with the boys--they don't take no guff from her!  We chatted about it in the car.  I corrected her a few times. . . but I also think she needs to learn that kids won't want to be with her if she is like this.  To be fair--her friend exhibited some of the same traits.  This is comforting for me to see.

I asked Garrison after supper tonight to walk to the kitchen, get the cookies, and bring one for everyone.  Garrison walked to the kitchen and came back with a cookie just for him.  He lost his cookie.  After witnessing our little talk listening to mom and thinking about others, Noel proceeded to try and dig a cookie out from the bottom.  UGH!

Simon has a wonderful way of sneaking past people to get to where he wants to be.  He can slither past or even nudge folks aside in an effort to get ahead.  He'll push people over!  Yeah, there has been some discipline about that one.

Penny--ahem.  She is two and full of herself and her needs and she'll let you know about it.  She also doesn't seem to care about my needs.  :)

So I'll just keep correcting.  Celebrating when I see success.  Talking about possible scenarios.  Trying to model.  Praying for my kids.  Hoping that they don't see the selfish side of me because if I'm honest with myself--it is there.  Yes I feel like I pour myself out for my hubby and kids. . . but sometimes selfishness rears it's green little head.  I'm all for a break.  I'm all for recharging myself.  But I know the difference.  I do.

Seems like I'm learning right along with the kids eh?  Nice.