My beautiful daughter

I am busy fighting the flu bug. But thought of a story.

A couple of weeks ago i held a family meeting. I decided it was time to be honest with the kids.

I told them that the medicine i had been taking was to help to make me feel better. That i had been feeling a little overwhelmed and unhappy. That i needed all of their help. That they needed to pull up their socks. Put laundry in the hampers, get in the car on time in the morning, clear their dishes at dinner, feed the dogs.

Nothing too major, just a few small things that can make a huge difference to the overall turmoil in this small house filled with six humans and four animals.

Tristan took it to heart and has blown me away by her kind spirit in the past couple of weeks. She jumps out of bed in the morning, organizes cereal for all the kids, gets parker dressed and then runs down the street to feed the cats she's babysitting. All without me ever saying a word. Every single day.

I can't tell you how proud i am of her. How she took to heart my asking for help and how she, truly, is trying to help.

She is the best christmas present ever.

Posted by Jess at 12:19 PM Permalink

Comments (13)

blackbird

I have a boy for her.

Posted by blackbird | December 21, 2006 12:43 PM

ashley

That is truly awesome :)

Posted by ashley | December 21, 2006 01:17 PM

Renee

Good for her! They always seem to come through for us, huh?

Posted by Renee | December 21, 2006 01:18 PM

Kari

Yes, she is beautiful in all ways. How wonderful!

Posted by Kari | December 21, 2006 01:31 PM

Elizabeth

I'm proud of YOU for being honest with your kids and telling them that you need their help. That's a Christmas gift to yourself.

As for Tristan-she is beautiful. I have a ten year old son who started making his own breakfast at four, made his brother's breakfast at six, and was changing diapers and fixing bottles for the baby at age nine. Would Tristan be interested in him in about ten years??!!

Posted by Elizabeth | December 21, 2006 01:40 PM

Irene

I have two boys for her.

Posted by Irene | December 21, 2006 02:08 PM

canknitian

Even if she never says anything about it, be sure to acknowledge her for it. Tell her you've noticed and what a difference it's making. And if she misses a day, tell her it's ok. You always appreciate her.

I'm sure you're doing all of this, but I was that kind of kid and now know I needed just a little more reassurance that it was appreciated and always good enough.

Big hug,
j

Posted by canknitian | December 21, 2006 06:10 PM

Chantal

God, she rocks. My Kristyn would do the same thing.

I love that you're honest with them like that. I always feel the need to sugar coat, put on a happy face. It's hard and tiring.

Posted by Chantal | December 21, 2006 06:43 PM

Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah

All that AND she is a beauty?

You make good kids.

Posted by Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah | December 21, 2006 07:31 PM

Lacy

What a wonderful, beautiful, daughter you have there. :)