What's one thing...

Danalana wrote: What is at least one thing you missed out on as a child that you are going to make darn sure your child doesn't?

One thing for me, is I want to make sure Kade feels secure in our love for him...and that he has a family that is there for him no matter what.

My2Beauties replied: A nice roof over their heads. My mom and dad did the best they could but we were extremely poor and lived in some nasty old houses. I am so proud of the fact that I've been able to give my children a nice home to live in. Not that my mom and dad failed they were wonderful and locing parents which counts in the end, but I just wanted to go one step further and give my kids a home they can be proud of.

luvmykids replied: Being super involved at school. I remember other kids' moms who were always there for field trips, in the classroom, etc and wishing my mom could be there. I know she had to work but I hope I'm able to keep doing that for my kids.

Crystalina replied: Not moving around so much! I was an Army Brat and we moved all the time. I don't have any friends from early on in my childhood. They were all made later. There's nothing wrong with that I guess but I refuse to move and I will never buy black shoe polish!!

~Roo'sMama~ replied: Really, I can't think of anything. We didn't have a lot of money, but we were really happy and there was plenty of love to go around. I used to always say I'd never want DH to have a job that took him away from us overnight - my dad was a long haul truck driver until I was about 14 and I hated it when he had to go to work, but now looking back I realize that he did that because there wasn't anything else he COULD do. My parents bought the farm we lived on and then couldn't make it farming so my dad just did what he had to do. It would have been nice for him to be at home more than just on the weekends and holidays, but he was the best dad ever when he was home, and we were happy.

Boo&BugsMom replied: Being at my children's activities. My parents worked a lot so they missed out on quite a few of my recitals, choir concerts, pom pom performances, theatre productions,etc. They did as best as they could, but I remember feeling bummed when they couldn't go.

lisar replied: My child hood and my teenage years. My mom had surgery when I was 8 and was paralyzed from her neck down after that. So me and my sister grew up really fast. She had to take care of me while my dad worked. Ofcourse when Granny got us it got better but by that time we had already grown up so much. We had our teenage years they were more wild than others cause I think we were more mature than most at our age. But I want my kids to live free of worry like I had and have a child hood and have those teenage years.

stella6979 replied: Quality time! Both my Parents were big drinkers and spent most of thier time either drunk at the bar or drunk at home so there was not a lot of fun time spent together. I want to be one of those Parents that hangs out in their kids rooms, chats about whatever, plays boardgames, or just snuggling on the couch with them watching movies.

Calimama replied: I want her to get to be a kid. I had to grow up really quickly with my dad being sick.

my2monkeyboys replied: Let's see... I didn't have a bad childhood, though some could say I did. My parents fought a lot and separated a lot for a few days at a time most of my childhood, and my dad was in prison for a couple of years when I was in my pre/early teens. I would complain, but I guess those experiences made me who I am today, which I think it a pretty decent person.
The one thing I really hate most is that my mom would always guilt trip me into not doing things - like going to spend the night off @ a friends, not going on the school field trips, that sort of thing. She was VERY OVER protective of us, and since I hated to see her upset/worried, I'd just give in and stay home. I missed out on quite a bit, and I really try to remind myself about that so when Will gets older I won't hold him back from life.
I always think of the lines from Finding Nemo, when Marlin tells Dorie that he promised he'd never let anything happen to Nemo and she thinks that's a strange promise - that he'd never let ANYTHING happen to him. I am really going to try to remember that.

MommyToAshley replied:
Ditto. I have been as involved in Ashley's school that is allowed and it really does mean a lot to her. I would volunteer every Friday and I remember I was sick one Friday and couldn't go in and she was really disappointed. It's also great to know all the kids, so when she talks about them by name I know who she is talking about and can relate to her stories better.

Ditto on the moving around too. I was an army brat and while I appreciate getting to go and see a lot of things that most people only dream of, I hated being the new kid when I was older in my teen years. I was always jealous of those that "were friends since Kindergarten".

I will have to say that I do have a greater appreciation for my Mom now that I am older. I always found fault in her and we didn't have the best relationship when I was a teenager, but looking back now I do understand and appreciate what she went through (even though I was a good kid). I am just sad that she doesn't take more interest in Ashley and what is happening in her life. I can't image not being involved in my grandchild's life... so I guess that is another one.

HuskerMom replied: I would say Dh being home alot. My dad always went to Kansas to work for the summers. He was a teacher so he didn't get paid in the summer unless he got a summer job. So he would go back to his hometown and farm. When I was little I understood why he did it but I really wanted him home in the summer.

DVFlyer replied: Hugs and affection.

I don't remember my parents being "gushy" with us. Not that they were mean, but I hope my children remember how much affection we showed them.

kimberley replied: sadly, there isn't just one.

i want my children to know they are in a stable loving home (almost there on that one )

that they are not a nuisance to be pawned off on any relative who will take them a night or two.

to enjoy extra curricular activities, even if they aren't cheap, may only be for one season and take up my time (gee.. isn't that my job as a mom???)

be completely open to talk about anything and know my door is always open (with a knock of course lol)... even if it's hard for me.

to show them affection and touch is healing and warming not weird and awkward.

that no matter what they choose, i will love them.

that they can always come home.

oy... that was a laundry list.

Danalana replied: Wow, that could be my list, too.

A&A'smommy replied: UM I had to really think on this one because I actually had a great childhood.. but I think one of the big things is always making sure they have clothes and shoes that are in style and cute .... my parents have always been kinda poor so we didn't have a lot of nice clothes all the time anyway

Teesa®© replied: To show my children love and affection.

I always knew that both my parents loved me dearly, but with my Dad being German, he didn't show affection very often. Mom and I used to sing songs while washing the dishes.

We didn't have much money growing up, but there was more than enough love. We don't have much money now, but we're doing the best we can - just like my parents did.

We go more places than I did as a child - Toronto Zoo, Niagara Falls, Marine Land, etc., but we've never gone to a cottage for weeks on end.

I also lived in the country as a child, and I'm DYING to give that to my children.

Brias3 replied: I have to say that I can't think of anything. I was fortunate to have a wonderful childhood, and my goal has always been to give my kids the same back.