What Have You Learned From Your Children?

1. 76

   raisingmeposted 13 years ago

   My children have been my greatest source of inspiration and my greatest teachers.  I feel that I have learned more from them then I could ever teach them.  What have you learned from your children that has made you a better person?

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      rebekahELLEposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      such a beautiful post! 
      I feel very much the same.
      
      compassion, support, listening and understanding, trust, hope, love, using our gifts and talents..
      my two sons are in their 20's now and lost their father while still quite young. they continue to show me perseverance, taking responsibility and making things happen, not waiting for life to do it for us. they also make me laugh a lot! I feel extremely fortunate to be their mother. they show me possibilities are only limited by our own minds, to shoot for the stars and go beyond. it is thrilling to watch them grow and begin to accomplish their dreams.

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2. 0

   ralwusposted 13 years ago

   to be a better grandpa

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3. 82

   Princessaposted 13 years ago

   To be more patient.  Patient with their mistakes, patient with myself (it takes a lifetime to learn how to be a mom), patience with the little things that might drive you mad in everyday life...

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      Polly Cposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      That's what I was going to say - there is no one to teach you patience like a child!

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4. 82

   TamCorposted 13 years ago

   I've learned Grace and forgiveness from my oldest two children in the past week...they are both in their mid-20's, and learned last week of the death of their biological father, who they hadn't seen, or spoken to, in over 10 years due to his battles with alcohol and drugs.
   
   When faced with the responsibility of either paying for his burial, or letting the city do it at no cost to them, they both made the decision to pay for it themselves, each using all of the savings they had.
   
   They just couldn't stand the thought of him having a cold, impersonal burial, even after all he had put them through. They have put aside all the differences they'd had with him, and, hopefully, now will have some peace.
   
   My husband and I are so very proud to be their parents...
   
   Tammy and Tom Cornett

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   1. 68

      Flightkeeperposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      That is so touching.  You have raised fine children.

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      1. 82

         TamCorposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Thank you, Flightkeeper--I really appreciate that...

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5. 69

   lrohnerposted 13 years ago

   Spit-up stains. Permanently.

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6. 59

   tobey100posted 13 years ago

   Five boys is three too many!!!

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7. 83

   wychicposted 13 years ago

   That I don't know everything I think I know, and I don't play enough. In case I have any doubts about the effects my parenting has, my son gladly replays it for me with the dog so that I can see just how he interprets whatever I do.

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8. 83

   Rafiniposted 13 years ago

   Ooh, good question!
   
   I've learned: to be more patient, how to multi-task, to put up with some back ground noise while attempting to concentrate on whatever it is I'm trying to do, to overlook what I don't like in order to compromise, to negotiate, to speak up in a crowd when necessary, and most importantly, how to love.

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9. 69

   lisabeamanposted 13 years ago

   I've learned different things from each of them. From my oldest I gained a better understanding of unconditional love. From my middle child I grew in my faith in helping her overcome her fears. I regained joy from my youngest who constantly reminds me not to take life too seriously.

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10. 60

    SomewayOuttaHereposted 13 years ago

    ...to love

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11. 76

    Dobsonposted 13 years ago

    My children are a great joy. I have learned to wipe away all pretense and look at things from a child's perspective. As I worte in my hub about what my son said I learned that burning something is actually "putting fire on it." I had never thought of it like that before.

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12. 62

    Mishaposted 13 years ago

    A lot about myself and society and the world as a whole. See my parenting hub for one of the examples. And I'm still learning.

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13. 66

    Ivorwenposted 13 years ago

    My children have shown me how many possibilities remain in this world.  They are limited only by their imagination...  They don't care for physics, and have so many ideas of ways to improve what already exists, as well as ideas for things that have no name.
    
    They have also shown me how many things can be accomplished through team work.  When they get an idea and everyone involved has a good attitude, they can move mountains or at least create them and bend steal to meet their requirements.

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14. 81

    manlypoetrymanposted 13 years ago

    Sincere bravery and dedication, dog-ged determination, devotion to duty and ideals, discipline, laughter, great level of achieving success, courage to stand for what you believe, setting a goal...and attaining it, self-sacrifice, accomplishment of the highest order...I could go on...but I still would miss a few...you probably can sense the great respect I have for my children and what they have been able to do!

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15. 82

    RooBeeposted 13 years ago

    To just BE.

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16. 0

    PrettyPantherposted 13 years ago

    My children reminded me how to notice the little things, like the funny-looking bug hanging on a leaf, or the weird shape of a tree trunk.

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17. 76

    Fluffymetalposted 13 years ago

    My daughter is 12 1/2 and I learn from her everyday.  She inspires me to be the greatest, happiest, most grateful person and mom.  I love her so much.

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18. 80

    LeanManposted 13 years ago

    The greatest thing that I learned from my kids was....
    
    How to use a mobile phone... lol...
    
    Still only use it dial numbers and receive calls but they seem to spend hours with theirs..

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19. 0

    BRIAN SLATERposted 13 years ago

    My daughter has shown me lots of times how to set the timer on the video recorder, but i still forget.

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20. 76

    raisingmeposted 13 years ago

    I am loving these answers - all of them.  Children have a way of bringing out the best us if we allow them to.  It is wonderful to see a forum full of parents that have a deep appreciation and respect for the gifts our children bring to our lives.

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21. 0

    Home Girlposted 13 years ago

    That you can give birth to somebody, who is completely different from you.
    That because of them you've become a better and stronger person.

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