A Surprising Answer

 

 

We all have those moments where we just need to feel like we aren’t doing so bad as a parent after all.  I’m not talking about those rare moments when someone tells you, “You’re a great mom.”  I’m talking about something the kids do or say that makes you realize you’re raising some pretty awesome kids.

This morning I was blessed with one of those moments.

I’ve mentioned before that our son is not the world’s best sleeper.  We even had a special party this fall when he finally slept in his own bed for a whole week in a row.

Unfortunately his sleep habits didn’t magically improve after that week.

I don’t know why I never thought of it before, but a week ago I made a little sleep chart for us to check off days on.  He really wanted a Hot Wheel snow plow, and so we made that the prize he’d earn if he slept in his bed for 7 nights in a row.  (I’m hoping that since Hot Wheels worked magic when he was potty training, maybe they can help again.)

Today we marked off that 7th day, and he earned his cherished snow plow.teaching kids to sleep in own bed

 

Wanting to establish a new habit of sleeping in his bed on a regular basis, I decided we’d make another chart, this time for 10 days.

When I asked him what prize he wanted to earn, I expected to hear “another Hot Wheel.”

His surprising answer?  A princess doll for his sister.

Now it’s not unusual for my kids to ask for a second cookie or other treat so they can share with their sibling, but I never expected that he would want to earn a toy for his sister.

 

I am the first to admit I am far from being perfect, but today I know I’m doing at least a little something right.

~OneMommy

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  1. What a wonderful heart! A big pat on the back to you, Mommy!! That is a very proud moment indeed!!
    Kristen recently posted..From Fairy Tales to Reality TV

    1. I wanted to cry when he said that. Definitely proud.

  2. What a great story. You are training up your son to be kind and considerate and think of others. Way to go! We need more parents like you!!!

  3. WOW WOW WOW!!!!!! How freaking precious is THAT????? I mean for him to work so hard for TEN days and look toward the end prize for not him but HIS SISTER??? You are raising some pretty amazing, giving, generous and thoughtful children my dear!!! What a great testimony to his heart and character.
    Chris Carter recently posted..“My Awesome World”

    1. He is one awesome kid — I always say I can learn a lot from my kids.

  4. That is a great idea! I think I’ll do that for my daughter.
    How sweet he wants to get his sister a princess doll!
    Heather’s Happenings recently posted..Guest Blogger: Emmy Mom

    1. So far he’s made it to day 2 of his new chart… Since he is usually only in his bed for the entire night 3-4 days a week, I’m hoping the trend continues!

  5. Oh my that is so sweet!! What a great brother :)
    Jacklynn recently posted..Children’s Ikea table personalization

    1. Completely threw me off guard. 2 days later and he still says he wants to earn her a toy.

  6. How wonderful that your son wants to share his rewards with his sister. Well done Mommy!

  7. That is so sweet! I would be so proud.
    Kristiina recently posted..{DIY} Newbie Knitted Headband – Kollabora

    1. This momma is very proud.

  8. That is precious!!! For that you must get him something anyway. Priceless.
    Andrea recently posted..5 Tips I Learned From My Toddler on How to Be a Better Spouse

    1. Oh, I definitely will have a little something for him!

  9. That is so sweet! He must be a very thoughtful child to want his prize to be for his sister! I hope this keeps up for you!
    Sadie recently posted..You Complete Me – Day 23

    1. I think he is my more emotional child… I do hope their desire to help each other continues as they start school! :)

  10. That is so sweet! And love the sleep idea too! Sounds like you have a very dear-hearted little boy! Stopping by from SITs have a great weekend!
    Kathryn recently posted..Change of Plans

    1. I can’t believe it, but it’s been 9 days now and he still insists the prize is for his sister this time. :)

  11. Hello! visiting from SITS … love this story. It’s great getting these types of surprises :-)
    Andrea recently posted..Book Review: School Isn’t Fair

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