Pumpkin's Positive Post: A Mother's Pride
By pumpkinjam
@pumpkinjam (8754)
United Kingdom
November 10, 2017 8:50am CST
While I am always proud of my children in general for the people they are and for the everyday things they do, there are those really special moments when I'm truly proud of them for their achievements or for the extraordinary.
I'll always be proud of them whenever they score well in tests, when they're complimented on their behaviour, and with other such things.
I was proud of my eldest, Midi, when he won a local award for contribution to youth theatre, and I'm proud of him for doing well at college. I was proud of Mini, my youngest, when he got a certificate for 'performer of the week' at his drama academy, and I am proud of him every time he comes home with a Scout badge.
Today, though, I want to put Mini in the spotlight. He had been given some homework from Scouts - to learn the Spanish Scout promise. Even though he told me he hadn't really worked on it, his leader told me Mini was excellent! On top of that, Mini has been chosen as 'flag escort' for parade on Sunday.
Now, there is something very important you must know about parade. While many places have a parade on the nearest Sunday, we live in the only town in the world which always has a remembrance parade on Remembrance Day (November 11th). So, being part of this is very important to the community. Saying that, Mini's Scout troop is actually based in a village between this town and the next so that troop will not be part of our town's first parade. They will, however, be partaking in the second parade on Sunday.
The Scout leader said that they try to make sure everyone has a chance at things like flag-bearing, but they do like to give such opportunities to those who most deserve it. The Scout who is to be flag-bearer will be moving on next year, so this is his last chance. Mini has been chosen as escort because he always contributes, joins in, supports, turns up regularly, and is always well-behaved and prepared. So, of course, I am especially proud of him for this.
Not only that, but I had an email from the head of his drama academy. They had been sending a few emails addressing improvements which were needed, and the head wanted to point out students who do well consistently. Mini was one of them. He is always well-behaved, and has been complimented on his focus and creativity.
So, I am absolutely bursting with pride for the youngest of my children.
What have you (or your children/family/friends/other) done recently to make you feel proud?
7 people like this
6 responses
@m_audrey6788 (58472)
• Germany
10 Nov 17
You`re a great parent and it shows through your childrens accomplishments! 
3 people like this
@pumpkinjam (8754)
• United Kingdom
11 Nov 17
Thank you :) The accomplishments are their own. I've just tried my best to encourage them to work hard, and to be good people. I think I've done well, though! :)
2 people like this
@m_audrey6788 (58472)
• Germany
12 Nov 17
@pumpkinjam Yes you did it well and thank you for bringing up your kids well as they can be a good help in your country in the future!
1 person likes this
@Mila7272 (78)
• Germany
11 Nov 17
My head did not feel right this morning as I am recovering from a brain concussion. I went back to bed and rested more. Then I got up feeling so much better as I also meditated during that rest. I am proud of myself as I used to be an overachiever and workaholic. To go back to bed was never an option in the past or take care of myself.
Wishing the best for you and your children.
3 people like this
@pumpkinjam (8754)
• United Kingdom
11 Nov 17
It can be too easy to forget about caring for ourselves, but we must if we are to recover from things or to continue to be productive. I'm glad you are looking after yourself :)
1 person likes this
@pumpkinjam (8754)
• United Kingdom
11 Nov 17
Thank you. There are times I think I couldn't be prouder, but then I'm overwhelmed by something else.
3 people like this
@pumpkinjam (8754)
• United Kingdom
11 Nov 17
I don't think he realises how much he does put into things. He actually seemed a little dismissive, annoyed even, at me praising him. I think he does appreciate the praise but he doesn't like repetition!
3 people like this
@pumpkinjam (8754)
• United Kingdom
10 Nov 17
Thank you :) They are awesome. It's not luck, it's how I made them! :D :P :)
3 people like this
@fly802 (1383)
•
11 Nov 17
@pumpkinjam Salute to you.Hope every parent will be so great as you.
3 people like this
@Daelii (5619)
• United States
14 Nov 17
Its everything and all the small things. I know without a doubt my kids are smart, bright, and creative. What I admire most is how they act towards each other and other people.
This might seem silly but it just shows what kind of character my daughters have. In kindergarten here if kids are good all day long at school, they get to have a piece of candy. They can eat this at school or wherever. My oldest put it in her bag, carried it home every day, and shared it with her sister. EVERY DAY! It didn't matter how tiny the candy was, she found a way to share it!
We went out to dinner the other day and she was talking to the waiter. He asked about her day and what she did at school. She spent her playground time cleaning up the leaves so other kids wouldn't fall on them on the sidewalk.
She's just that kind of girl and shes six in 1 first gradel.
My middle daughter is currently 5 and in kindergarten. She too is very compassionate and empathetic towards others. She knows what having allergies are like and she constantly dots on her younger sister (my youngest, a toddler that is almost 16 months old). She wants to see everyone happy and taken care of. She's very frank and open to share her opinions to people.
I can't tell you how many times she has said something to a parent who is doing something she perceives as wrong. Like we were at the park and this family had some of those coolaid like Popsicle. They had a baby there crying for one (child was like 3 watching everyone else eat a treat except her). My 5 year old started crying because the parents were being mean by not letting that kid have something. She said so very loud and clearly, that people should all be treated the same!
This is the girl that give her a box of cupcakes and she will share them with anyone walking by.
Its just seeing them in action, doing their own thing, just brings me joy and proud that they are my girls and a part of my life.
1 person likes this
@pumpkinjam (8754)
• United Kingdom
14 Nov 17
That's so lovely. Nothing you said seems silly at all. The way our children treat other people is really important.
My children have been known to loudly exclaim when they see wrongdoing, too! Sometimes, it can be a trick to decide whether to praise them for saying/doing something or to tell them off for being cheeky!
1 person likes this
@Daelii (5619)
• United States
14 Nov 17
@pumpkinjam I know! Especially when you do totally agree with your child but have to understand and respect that not everyone parents as you do!
I've had quite a few parents tell me off for not giving all my kids ice cream. It wasn't that I didn't want my one daughter to have it. She couldn't have it! Literally, she was allergic to dairy/milk at the time (out grew it by the time she was a little past 4!).
I've even had one person go so boldly as to go over and get a bowl of ice cream and try to hand it to my child for them to eat after I said no. We were at a buffet and it was like, mind your own business? Sure I didn't get her ice cream but I did get her jello and fruit.. Then they tried to give her a cookie, because I'm so awful for not getting her one. But cookies are made with milk (in the form of butter)!
So like I know how awful it can feel to be in the position of no. I just can't imagine going to a park with treats and not having something for everyone. Its hard! I don't even know if that child at the park had an allergy or not.. but either way..
Even with two kids having different allergies, they understand that sometimes not everyone will have the same thing. Regardless of differences, everyone will have something they can enjoy and eat together! So one kid might eat ice cream in a cone and another may eat jello in a cone! I'll never just not get/give something to a child.... just seems so wrong!
1 person likes this
