As a parent, we are often proud of our children. I think it's in the parent handbook in the list of rules that we have to be. Sometimes, we are so extremely proud of them for the small things just as much as the large things. Vise versa, kids often strive to make us proud. Who doesn't like it when someone is proud of us, it just feels good.
My 12 year old, Rhett, made me feel so proud of him, and that pride in him at that moment made me feel so lucky to be his mom. Now this wasn't a huge proud moment or even a really small one. Just one of those moments when it shows you your doing a good job as a parent.
Let me explain. In South Dakota, kids can get their valid restricted drivers license at the age of 14. My understanding is because of the amount of rural areas and farming communities, kids are generally working on a farm somewhere and need a drivers license to complete their tasks. Due to Rhett turning 13 before the end of the school year he is eligible to take drivers ed next summer. Yes, supper scary for mom. Because, of this we have been letting him drive a little bit on the gravel roads by, and on, family farm and land. We want him comfortable behind the wheel.
A couple of weekends ago both my husband and I offered to let Rhett drive the dirt roads from our lake cabin. Both times he refused. Now, what kids doesn't jump for the chance to drive? So, I asked him "Aren't you going to take drivers ed at the end of the school year? " His reply, "No, I think I'll wait. I'd have to wait a year to get my license anyway."
Here I was preparing myself to having a teenage driver, again(My oldest is 19 and in the Air Force), and thinking that at his age I would have jumped at the chance to drive. He was thinking ahead. Yes, he could drive sooner then 14, but he'd have to wait for his actual license so why rush. I half wonder if the a recent car accident that our niece was in putting here in the hospital for three days plays a part. Yet the fact remains he knows he's not ready at this time. Proud mama moment, my preteener is thinking like an adult and starting to think things through. Giant happy face!
You see part of my agreeing to let him get his drivers license at 14 was that he has to show me he's responsible enough in other areas first. School, chores, how he treats his little brother, listening, and so on. If he could be responsible for things that didn't put the lives of others and himself in danger he wasn't responsible enough to drive. This moment tops off all his other responsibilities.
When he's ready, I'll be ready. To tell you the truth my proudest moment is knowing he knows himself enough to wait and trusts me enough to tell me.
My 12 year old, Rhett, made me feel so proud of him, and that pride in him at that moment made me feel so lucky to be his mom. Now this wasn't a huge proud moment or even a really small one. Just one of those moments when it shows you your doing a good job as a parent.
Let me explain. In South Dakota, kids can get their valid restricted drivers license at the age of 14. My understanding is because of the amount of rural areas and farming communities, kids are generally working on a farm somewhere and need a drivers license to complete their tasks. Due to Rhett turning 13 before the end of the school year he is eligible to take drivers ed next summer. Yes, supper scary for mom. Because, of this we have been letting him drive a little bit on the gravel roads by, and on, family farm and land. We want him comfortable behind the wheel.
A couple of weekends ago both my husband and I offered to let Rhett drive the dirt roads from our lake cabin. Both times he refused. Now, what kids doesn't jump for the chance to drive? So, I asked him "Aren't you going to take drivers ed at the end of the school year? " His reply, "No, I think I'll wait. I'd have to wait a year to get my license anyway."
Here I was preparing myself to having a teenage driver, again(My oldest is 19 and in the Air Force), and thinking that at his age I would have jumped at the chance to drive. He was thinking ahead. Yes, he could drive sooner then 14, but he'd have to wait for his actual license so why rush. I half wonder if the a recent car accident that our niece was in putting here in the hospital for three days plays a part. Yet the fact remains he knows he's not ready at this time. Proud mama moment, my preteener is thinking like an adult and starting to think things through. Giant happy face!
You see part of my agreeing to let him get his drivers license at 14 was that he has to show me he's responsible enough in other areas first. School, chores, how he treats his little brother, listening, and so on. If he could be responsible for things that didn't put the lives of others and himself in danger he wasn't responsible enough to drive. This moment tops off all his other responsibilities.
When he's ready, I'll be ready. To tell you the truth my proudest moment is knowing he knows himself enough to wait and trusts me enough to tell me.
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