Not A Lazy Sunday

One of the benefits of having little ones, is being "forced" to have a good time and explore, even when I don't necessarily want to put in the effort.

Today was one of those days when I would have been perfectly content with a lazy Sunday, enjoying our air-conditioned home in this 90-degree heat.

Instead we took a drive to The Morton Arboretum.

We got there in time to watch some students of Japanese Drumming. Here's a tiny snipet of the wonderful 45-minute performance we happened upon.



A few years ago, the arboretum smartly added the Children's Garden. Cater to the kids, and everyone else will follow.

After climbing and exploring in the garden, we made friends with some of David Rogers' Big Bugs.






The final stop was the Maze Garden. For close to an hour, the Maze captivated the kids. The first time we found our way to the 12-foot high watchtower, I stayed there, enjoying the view as Matt and the kids found other pathways. Our son's loud giggles let me know where they were even when they were out of my sight.

An added bonus on these not-so-lazy days is the kids go to bed and sleep very well.

Forcing Apologies & Forgiveness?

There’s been a discussion on my Twin Moms Forum about whether we should insist on our children apologizing when they’ve done something wrong. One of the moms stated that not only should we have our kids apologize, but we should also make them say “I forgive you.”

I have some adults very close to me who say “I’m sorry”, not because they are truly sorry and seek forgiveness, but in order to avoid any confrontation (dialogue about the offense) and want to just “move on.” So I hesitate to teach my kids to just say the words.

Because one of my children has this temperament (causing them to say they are sorry at a drop of a hat), I believe that demanding my children say “I’m sorry” would produce superficial results that don't get to the heart of the matter.

On the other end of the spectrum, my other child's temperament is strong-willed. When I’ve attempted to “force” an apology, that one’s response is explosive and angry.

Does it mean that I don’t point out the “errors of their ways” when my children do something wrong? Absolutely not. Speaking from experience, it’s harder to change later in life than earlier. It wasn’t until my late 20s when I encountered true accountability--people willing to confront me (kindly and gently) when I messed up.

I’d like my kids to learn now what has taken me decades to learn.

We want thoughtful and kind children, not ones who just act thoughtful and kind.

I am reading a parenting book that emphasizes dealing with the “heart issues” rather than the behavior issues.

“What is going on in your heart that would make you hit your sister?”

“What is going on in your heart that would make you say such unkind words to your brother?”

“What is going on in your heart that would make you not want to apologize?”

“What is going on in your heart that would make you not grant forgiveness?”

It takes a heck of a lot more time to discuss the heart issues. But in the end, and why my husband and I go through this long process over and over and over again, we believe that changing our hearts will lead to behavioral changes that are lasting and authentic.

Why do we apologize? Why do we forgive? Ultimately, isn’t it about reconciliation? Because we are imperfect humans we will, intentionally and unintentionally, hurt people and they will hurt us. It’s unavoidable if we strive to have real and meaningful relationships filled with intimacy and depth.

In a world of so many broken relationships, the lesson I want to teach my kids is that relationships matter. Above all else, people matter.