I was talking to another mom recently, who said that she doesn’t think her kids really appreciate her. I’ve been thinking a lot about her (and all of us) in the past couple days…
This mom does a bunch of things for her kids… cooking, cleaning, and caring for them.
On top of that, she’s the primary income earner for her family, she’s in school and she’s starting a new business.
She’s pretty maxed out.
Her kids, like ours, have NO IDEA how hard we work, how much we do, how tough it is. Our kids just aren’t able to acknowledge us.
But just because our kids can’t acknowledge us, doesn’t mean that we can’t acknowledge each other! Right?
I know how hard you work, how much you do for your kids…
So I’m doing a public appreciation for you!
I appreciate you, dear sister, for all the effort you put into parenting. Your efforts are not something that our society honors, values, or supports much.
Your kids might not see all your effort.
Your partner might not see all your effort.
Your family might even think you’re a little bit crazy.
Today, and everyday, I honor and value you.
There are so many things you do each day, dear sister, in your house, for your family
I thank you
…for all the cooking, packing lunches, and dishes you do
…all the cleaning, tidying and laundry you do
…all the shopping, restocking, and money management you do
…all that you do at your job, to support your family
…all the driving, social planning, and parties that you organize
…all the school events, field trips, and volunteering you help with
…all the diapering, feeding, burping, rocking, dressing, teeth brushing, and bathing
…all the books you’ve read, songs you’ve sung, games you’ve played
…all the doctor and dentist appointments, and emergency room visits you do
…all the sports, performances and practices, and art activities that you watch or lead
…all the things that you do, that people may or may not see.
I also thank you, my dear sister, for all the mostly invisible things
…all the middle of the night worries
…all the times when you’ve felt guilty and vowed to do something different
…all the hugs you’ve given, the tears that you’ve wiped away, the snuggles you’ve offered
…all the times you were just present, open, and you listened
…all the books, workshops, classes and speakers you’ve listened to, to become a better parent
…all the times you postponed what you wanted because one of your kids needed something else
…all the times you took a deep breath before responding to your child
…all the times that your sleep has been interrupted
…all the times when you postponed going to the bathroom, showering, brushing your hair or eating, so that you could care for your child
…all the times you meditated, journaled, or prayed for your child
…all the times you reached out to someone else for advice, guidance or support
…all the times you’ve given the advice, guidance, or support to another
…all the times you’ve healed something from your past, so you could be the parent you wanted to be
…all the times when you told your child the truth, that she needed to hear, even when it was hard
…all the times you forgave yourself for not living up to your own standards
…all the times you gave yourself empathy and compassion
…all the times you started fresh, reconnected, and repaired a hurt for your child
…all the times you dug deeper to see under the surface for yourself or for your child
…all the times you did the hard work, so that life for your child could be a little easier.
Why am I thanking you for this?
Because I know the struggle of parenting. Most of us sisters are struggling, alone in our houses, alone with our own kids. We get blamed if our parenting goes wrong, but very little credit if it goes right.
I know the power that is generated when we shine light on the things that matter.
I know the power that comes when we lift each other up.
I know that in the sisterhood, there is no comparison, no competition for the richest or prettiest, the best dressed or most obedient child.
In the sisterhood, there is only a river, deeply running, a soul-to-soul connection.
And the more love you show to your children, in your house, when no one else is watching, the more joy and peace is spread to your friends, your schools, your community, and your world.
Your world is my world.
Your community is my community.
Your schools are my schools.
Your friends are my friends.
What you do for your family, you also do for me.
Because I see you.
You see me.
I know you.
You know me.
I am you.
You are me.
Thank you, dear sister.
With all my heart and soul.
Thank you.
If you know a sister who needs some encouragement today email this to her here or click here to post on Facebook and spread the love.
If there is something additional that you need acknowledgement for… add it to the comments below. Don’t be shy, sister! Let your light shine and I will shine it right back to you.
Thank you. I really needed this today
You’re welcome, Amy! Glad it helped.
I think we all feel unappreciated at times and it’s hard to accept that even though we and our little ones start out as besties eventually we are kind of the forgotten force in our homes. Just try your best to let go of what you can’t change about someone especially if they are a close person to you and if they aren’t being thoughtful of your feelings express how it hurts you and if that doesn’t help then let them continue their journey and be there when they need you if your able and you need to find the path that fills you with joy a hobby or a church group even just putting on your favorite song every day singing to the top of your lungs and dancing whatever gives you happy feelings and the rest just keep forgiving and never stop being good kind and giving God knows our hearts ♥️
It’s an overwhelming feeling we just have to keep praying for our children. They are exposed to a life that just didn’t exist when we were kids. And it’s a cold place to grow up now I guess we are seeing the effects of our advanced society.
Aubrey, yes life is overwhelming sometimes. It’s brutal and it’s beautiful. Our kids have a different life than us, and in some ways I think that’s a good thing. Maybe there is more coldness, or maybe we get to appreciate the warmth that much more because we don’t take it for granted. Even if there are problems we all get to show up each day and hopefully be a beacon of light for each other.
Dedey, My heart goes out to you. I appreciate what you do for your family! And I hope that some day they appreciate you too. xox
I never felt like my little one didn’t appreciate me. I felt unapreciated by my ex – it’s those invisible things that you mentioned.
Awesome job, Cecilia!
Maria, yes, sometimes our partners don’t see those things… Glad you enjoyed the post!
Don’t forget to acknowledge to your parents, siblings, spouse and even children for what they do. It is hard to realize the full extent of what others have done for you until you are in the same position (ex. become a parent yourself) or they are gone either from moving away, going on a trip or passing away, but there is always something you can notice and appreciate in others.
Agreed, Ariella! And the more we appreciate others the more they appreciate us!
Nolan, you and I are in agreement here. Kids can’t appreciate us, they don’t have the life experience or perspective to do that. So us, parents, need to appreciate each other!
Thank you for appreciation!It makes me feel understood…and i really think that if we appreciate what we do..for sure the others will eventually do the same.It is not easy so maybe it shouldn’t be taken for granted all the thibgs that mothers do.in fact ,if we mothers talk to each other,support and care is the first step in recognising that we do all for our love ones but os still hard and we are humans too….
I appreciate you, I acknowledge you for all you do for your family. We don’t have to be perfect, to be loved, seen and understood!
Loving you back, sister! The things that separate us are so small compared to the things that connect us!
Jennifer, we are all connected in the most lovely way. Keep those vibes flowing! xox
Thank you! I appreciate you for everything you do for us too!
Darja, I appreciate YOU for letting your light shine in your family and in our world! Thank you!
Erin, I’m so happy to reflect the light that you give to the wold back at YOU!
Thank you for the juggling, trying to meet everyone’s needs, without losing yourself in the process. Today have compassion for yourself and let’s gently lower the high bar you set for yourself. You are loved even if you aren’t perfect!
Bara, you are seen and heard and appreciated. Thank you for all that you do! Big hugs!
Where is the father, the husband, the partner, the friend, the lover, the confident that we manage to get ourself?
We appreciate the fathers, husbands, partners and friends who lift us up and help us through the tough times. For all those who see the gold in us when we don’t see it in ourselves!
Not all have one unfortunately. Many blessings <3
Thank you for this message! It has been a challenging season juggling everything and this was like receiving a hug and a high five. We don’t do this for the recognition or applause but it’s nice to be acknowledged once in a while and reminded we are not alone :o)
Thank you for this! Moms get all the guilt, blame, and shame. This is much needed and appreciated–made me cry !
There are things that you do and emotions you wrestle with; you are not alone in your struggle. Release the shame and guilt with love and gentleness. Thank you for doing those things for us.