As a mom, I want to raise my kids to be good people who care about others especially those who have greater needs than we do. Given all their school and sports activities, there aren’t always a lot of opportunities to do this. I love that our middle school requires community service. My eldest volunteered at a foundation collecting baby clothes and other items for families with young children as well as gave his time raising money for a local basketball program.

One weekend recently, I was making my kids breakfast and getting the boys (9 and 13) ready for their many weekend sports activities.  We had dry cereal in the interest of time.  And one of my boys said, “I wish you would make us pannekoeken (Dutch word for crêpe like thin pancakes).”  They love to eat this treat with melted butter and powdered sugar. I had a similar response to this choice which was a staple in my Dutch parents’ household  I sighed deeply feeling my temperature rise.  I hated those kinds of comments.

What is it about our kids and fun? They know how to have it free and clear of guilt. They don’t ponder when or how, but jump in 100%. As parents, it can be all too easy to disengage while they are content on their own. Some alone time is important, but there are plenty of opportunities to join them. For me, one of the true joys of parenting has been playing with them and catching (in a good way) their exuberance.