Say No to Nagging and Yes to Fun

As a parent, like many of my friends, I fell into the routine of constantly nagging my children about the silliest things ever in order to get them to do what needed to get done. I saw it as my way of teaching them right from wrong, but really, I was just nagging.

I was constantly talking, yapping and nagging them about clothes needing to be put away, picking up their shoes, lowering the loud music, and hanging up the phone after talking for an hour. Honestly, it was becoming annoying to them and frustrating for me.

I was nagging and I'm not talking about the lessons we try to teach our children while they are toddlers and young children to keep them safe nagging or don't talk to strangers or looking both ways when crossing the street nagging, I am talking about nit picking about silly things that I should be finding amusing and funny.

On many occasions I caught myself saying, "Don't bounce the ball in the house, stop making a mess, stop jumping on the bed, get off the phone, and go pick up your room" and my children would reply in a mumble I could never understand.

Well my turning point came one day when we were at a restaurant and I happened to utter the words (several times I may add); "Be careful you don't spill your water". Well as you can guess, I ended up spilling my water. Both my children and my husband looked at me and uttered, "Be careful you don't spill your water". Although a bit embarrassed, we laughed but it made me think, I'm more concerned about the water spilling than the opportunity we have now to spend time together. I know we all make mistakes and it was time I started making a point about the important things my children should be careful about and not the silly things that can be cleaned up or mended.

Since that day, I have a better relationship with my kids. I have more fun. I don't worry about things spilling or breaking since usually I am the one who is more uncoordinated than them. They've always been careful and have always taken care of the things they have. I still laugh at that day because it taught me a lesson to take it easy and enjoy all the wonderful days my children give me.

I am happy when I hear them talk endlessly on the phone since it lets me know they have many friends, I'm glad when they jump on the bed because it makes them giggle and I know they are happy, and as for picking up their rooms, I like a little mess here and there, it reminds me of all the things we have and how grateful I am for everyday that my children are with me. I still spill water, it's an attraction with me, but I just smile and clean it up. It's a reminder to live more and nag less.