Parenthood is one job where you don't get a performance review. Sure, people comment that you're a good mother/father or maybe they comment on your child's good manners but no one sits you down & says "we'd like to see you work on your rainy day activities but overall we're very pleased & you'll see a 4% pay increase."
So, how do you know you're doing a good job, that you're doing the right thing by your child?
I got a sign today--we went shopping for a new floor lamp as well as a wedding gift for friends who are renewing their vows next weekend (they got married last winter before he deployed). Hunter ran our purchases to the car & then to Barnes & Noble while the Wee One & I went to Toys R Us to pick out a doll outfit for her baby doll, Baby Ella.
As we were walking down the aisles in TRU she stopped & picked up a toy someone had left on the floor & put it away where it belonged. Without being asked. I stopped, looked her in the eye & told her that I was proud of her for doing the right thing.
Onto Marshalls for a quick peek & again, a little doll had fallen on the floor & the Wee One picked her up & put her back on the table. Lightning DOES strike twice!
I feel so very validated as a mother---she IS paying attention when I do things, say things, ask her to do things. I AM doing the right things with her!
I stopped patting myself on the back long enough to do some knitting & throw a load of laundry in the wash.
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Job description for the hardest job in the world!
POSITION: Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma
JOB DESCRIPTION :Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an, often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities! Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.
RESPONSIBILITIES:The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.
POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :None. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :None required, unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.
WAGES AND COMPENSATION :Get this: You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.
BENEFITS :While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays an d no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love, and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.
FOOTNOTE “THERE IS NO RETIREMENT -- EVER!!!'
You're the best Mom I know. And, Iknow a lot of moms. But, really, you're the best!
:)
Somedays being a mom is so great! Isn't it nice t know they really do hear some of what we say!
Good job! Doesn't that make you feel good!?? Now if I could only get my son to listen.
I like what someone posted above, I'm sharing it on my blog tonight.
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