Parents  Certainly  Are  Misunderstood!
              by Steven C. Staats
            You thought that you were just patting your child on the back or head,
            or just ruffling his/her hair...
            but your child cherished the warm loving touch and  their heart was brightened.
               
            You thought you were reading a bedtime story with all the funny and scary
            voices...
            but your child enjoyed the fact you read every word even though they had heard
            they had heard them a hundred times before.
               
            You thought you were letting your child help paint the house even though the paint
            got kind of runny and drippy in places...
            but your child thought you were working together as a family and felt a sense of  accomplishment.

             You thought you were singing silly songs or counting the cows on a long
            boring trip...
            but your child learned that it was fun being together no matter where you were.

             You thought you were spending a few minutes of your time by throwing a ball
            in the back yard or baking some cookies...
            but your child, who realized that your time is precious, knew you were investing
            it in him/her.

             You thought that you asked your child's opinion about something that wasn't too important..
            but your child thought you asked because their opinions and thoughts were important.

             You thought you were being a good host by inviting your child's friends in for
            a cool snack on a warm summer day...
            but your child knew that their  friends were important to you and always welcome
            in your home.

             You thought the tears in your eyes went unnoticed when your child accomplished
            an important goal in his life...
            but your child knew that they were deeply imbedded in your heart and you sensed
            their accomplishment.

             You thought that the refrigerator was as good a place as any for hanging all
            the art work and "well done" papers that came home from school...
            but your child felt important when they came home from school each day with
            something to show you and tack up in their personal hall of fame.

              You thought you were helping a troubled restless child get some sleep by fixing
            a cup of hot cocoa...
            but your child felt that you were opening your heart around a kitchen table
            and making all the problems a lot smaller.

             You thought the vacation wasn't much of a success because the fish didn't bite
            and the sun didn't shine..
            but your child still remembers everything that happened and he still laughs at all
            of the funny parts.

             You thought you were just pointing out the words in the church hymn book
            with your child's finger as they tried to sing along..
            but your child learned that singing praises to God in worship was important.

             You thought you were just giving him/her a quick hug at a special moment or
            "just because"...
            but your child carried it with them for a long time.

             You thought you were just giving him/her a little kiss on the cheek to tell them
            good bye as they left for school...
            but your child felt warm and loved.

             Come to think of it, there are a lot of times when parents really are misunderstood!


             
             


                     
                     
                     
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