Independance

You probably know that I am not the best at backing away and giving my children a chance to do things on their own.

In fact, my helicopter style of parenting can make it difficult for my kids to shine--something I am actively working on.

While my children often find ways to positively surprise me with things they are doing, or can do, or want to do--today seemed to have a theme in that area.

I allowed Thomas to dress himself this morning--for school.  As you also know I am quite rigid about what I allow my children to wear in general, but even more strict about school, and super strict about church.

So, to allow Thomas to choose his own outfit this morning, it was a pretty big deal.

Of course, as you can imagine, I was mortified at what he choose, but I help my lips firm, and he left the house proud of himself for doing it all by himself.

This afternoon, Gracie begged me to let her help Thomas with his homework. Usually, I am the one who does homework with him, but she wanted to do it, and he let her (big deal that he said she could!) 

I couldn't help but peek around the corner and watch a little--and snap a picture.

Gracie has also been reading the "One School One Book" for this year to her brother. She has to read each day, he has to be read to each day, and both kids have to hear the story chapters from this book that are assigned to the entire school. Three birds-1 stone!

And, to wrap up a day of "independence," Thomas went to his  second karate class this month.  He is loving it, and while I am not a fan of how late it pushes the evening back, we are enjoying his excitement over learning something active and new.

While, I am praising both of my kids for showing their independent spirits, I also want to let you know that Gracie is again this year working to earn and save money to purchase the American Girl Doll Of The Year.  While, she would have wanted to get AG items this year and make another trip to the AG store--when she found out the name of the Girl Of The Year this year, she just had to have her!

Daddy and I are always proud of our kids, but we are learning to better and better give them the independence they need and crave (okay I am, daddy is usually fighting me to let them do it in the first place).

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