I really do have great kids. They made yesterday wonderful. They’ve been called Stepford children, but that’s not true because they’re messy as hell. They’re also extremely self-confident to the point where they are comfortable arguing their point in any issue they feel strongly about. (they are 6 and 3 years old.) But they are very self-sufficient and sometimes I have to remind them that moms are around to help. They don’t want help though. They want to do everything themselves. The only thing they ask me to do is wash their hair. They like it when Mommy does it.
My son shares my birthday. Yesterday I was astonished to realize that I am the mother of a 6 year old child. Where did the time go? Has it really been 6 years? It doesn’t seem like it at all.
I try very hard to downplay my birthday to anyone who mentions it and let his birthday take center stage. I’ve had enough of them and it’s not his fault he has to share. Beautiful thing is, he doesn’t mind. If I say, “Happy Birthday!” He says it right back. If someone asks, “Is it your birthday today?” He says, “Yes, and my mom’s too.” Last night my mom took him to Target so that he could pick out birthday gifts. She picked out several things, grandma things like pjs and new shoes, and gave him money to buy any fun stuff and toys he might have wanted. He took his money and bought me a sweater and an adorable gift bag to carry it in. 
My three year old went through her day, minding her own business, but every once in awhile at random she’d say, “Happy Birthday, Mommy.” Although I didn’t mention my birthday, neither of them forgot it and they wouldn’t let me forget it either. I wish I could mention all the selfless, wonderful things my kids did yesterday, how much joy they found just in being together with their family, how non-materialistic they are, how much true gratefulness they show when they get a gift. Every single one, no matter what size or cost or importance, is ooohhhed and aaahhhed over as if it was the greatest thing in the world. At three years old my daughter can point out any gift, regardless of how long she’s had it, and tell you who gave it to her. The giver is as important to them as the gift.
We all had a great day. Me especially because I was reminded of how truly blessed I am in the children dept.
Happy Birthday, Sylvia (a little belatedly:)
Sound like you had a great day and a wonderful family:smile:
on March 13th, 2005 at 7:44 am
I love your kids…and I’m NOT a kid lover. But they are more like mini adults than most kids I know.
Uhmm, That IS a compliment.
on March 12th, 2005 at 3:53 pm
It’s not anything I’m doing, trust me.
They’re just naturally great, which is why I’m so lucky. 
on March 12th, 2005 at 12:32 pm
Thanks for sharing, Sylvia! Sounds like you’re doing a wonderful job.
on March 12th, 2005 at 12:27 pm
My kids have always been equally generous. Never greedy. Never selfish. Never wanting more than they received or bemoaning that they didn’t get such-and-so. It’s so sweet when they’re like this at such an early age. You’re doing good with them!
on March 12th, 2005 at 7:41 am