Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Am I the student or the teacher?

This might not have a lot of meaning to others, but I wanted to report on one of those parenting epiphanies that I get sometimes. This one was taught to me by Aana. She has been ready to read for a while, but I didn't realize how ready until yesterday. When she and I were sitting down reading, I asked her to read to me. She actually went through 8 pages of the book reading every word. I was shocked! I have learned this month that I think I am the one that holds her back. It was the same with riding her bike, and other things... it is like she just gets tired of waiting on me to teach her, so she just figured it out herself. )

As far as reading is concerned, I have worked to teach her letter sounds and recognition and have worked on phonics, but I procrastinated the reading...and I don't know why. I don't explain this to suggest that my daughter is intelligent, but I see it all around me and I am amazed at how bright children are and how large their capacity to learn is. I was humbled by my experience yesterday...and I have made a personal goal to not be the one that holds my children back. I will try to MAKE the time to work with them even more... I truly believe that these special spirits were saved for these days. I am humbled that my Father in Heaven has trusted me with the learning and care of my two girls.

I have also been taught a lot about repentance by dear Aana. There have been several experiences lately where she has been truly broken hearted over things that she felt were bad choices she made. These choices to me seem very trivial, as I have noticed she expects ALOT of herself. But we have had the most wonderful conversations about forgiveness... and it has caused me to ponder a lot. I hear her sweet, genuine prayers blessing everyone that she can think of and lately she has put a lot of energy into asking our Heavenly Father to forgive her for her bad choices. She already has a testimony of repentance and has tearfully told me that she knows that Heavenly Father has forgotten about her bad choices...because she is trying hard not to make them again. I often feel as though I learn more from my children than I teach them. This is yet another recent experience like that. I apologize for venting this on my blog...but when I sat down to write...this is what I found myself thinking of. My heart is full...

3 comments:

Natalie said...

What a special girl you have! I know what you mean by us mommies sometimes holding them back. It's almost like it's my way of trying to keep them little longer. It's so fun to see your beautiful girls and hear about your life.

Larry, Shanda, Aana, and Addison said...

Natalie...I am so glad that you found my blog. Your comments are so appreciated and make my day! Thanks!

Jennica said...

Wow, I'm in awe. Such a special girl, and a great post...makes me motivated to get my act together. Thanks for sharing.