I grew up in a home where we weren't praised for anything. I don't remember anyone saying "Well done" when I passed the eleven -plus and O levels and found myself a job in a library and Mum often moaned about her sister and brother who liked to tell her how well their children were doing. "Always boasting" she would say. 'Showing off' in any way was also discouraged.
The problem with that upbringing is it then becomes hard to praise your own children.
So sorry about this showing off and boasting! but I'm putting that right..................
I'm so proud of my eldest daughter. After working as a Textile Print designer for Monsoon, Phase Eight and other fashion designers she had just become a freelance textile print designer so as to be at home with her small son when covid struck and that put an end to that but she decided to start her own business and it's doing rather well. Artful Kids UK is her children's party and workshop business based in Surrey and roundabout encouraging children to create and enjoy making and doing. And as well as doing that she's also working lots of hours a week for a friends garden and landscaping business, doing their publicity and organising all sorts of admin. A wonderful Mum to my eldest and youngest grandsons too.
I'm so proud of my Son. Lots of people do an Archaeology degree but not so many end up with a full time and permanent job in the sector. At one time every County had it's own Archaeology department but now almost all work is contracted out and son worked for a couple of companies, including moving round the country, before getting his job, based in Suffolk, at Oxford Cotswold Archaeology He doesn't dig anymore now he's in management. Such a good Dad to middle grandson and youngest granddaughter.
I'm so proud of my youngest daughter who decided not to follow her siblings to university and went out and got herself a job at age 17. Working at an Opticians as a receptionist and then optical assistant for many years until covid and a new owner downsized his staff and she found herself out of a permanent job with a 5 year old. She'd also fought through cancer before EGD was born and wasn't sure if she would be able to have children. She did several part time jobs before getting a job on short term contracts also working for Oxford Cotswold Archaeology in the site offices organising all the accommodation and logistics for the people working on the digs at Sizewell C power station sites. The end is in sight for those contracts but now she has a permanent admin job with them which is really good news. Coping so well and being the Best Mum on her own now to my eldest Granddaughter.
Three wonderful children - their Dad was and would have been proud too!
[This post came about because Aril at Eccentric Amblings and Ramblings blog mentioned the Tunsgate Centre in Guildford. ED had been running workshops there regularly but the new centre manager hadn't booked her for a while. ED thought they'd had a change of plan for family events there. I looked on her website to see if she'd been booked there for the summer hols, they hadn't but she is busy, busy elsewhere and that made me very proud!]
You are justly proud of your children. They have clearly grown up into good hardworking people, using their gifts and talents in positive and creative ways. And, more importantly they clearly have a strong commitment to family life, supporting one another,tbeir children, and you. And passing on these values to the next generation. Yes,Colin would be proud of them - the family is part of his legacy. Maybe when you were growing up, you missed out of praise and affirmation, that's sad. But now, these children and grandchildren are a living affirmation of what a great woman you are, Sue. Well done, their achievements are a reflection of your character. We applaud you as we admire them 👏 👏 👏 ❤️🙂
ReplyDeleteMy mum was the same, no need to shout it out, just keep going, neither was she a cuddly mum, I along with my siblings felt her love. So I went the other way loads of cuddles and praise for both my daughters and again with my grandchildren. I do often hear my mums voice in my head still, keeping me quiet and still, and watching all the time. Watching our successful children as adults is always a proud moment, watching them as parents is rewarding as it shows we did a great job in raising them.
ReplyDeleteMy mother was the same,"stop showing off, Carole" was her usual response. We were all criticised constantly about not being "up to scratch" though. My grandmother, her mother was the opposite, anything we did was applauded and she showed such unconditional love. That got me through, and I hope I am nothing like my mother. Well done for praising your lovely children and their accomplishments
ReplyDeleteLooks like it was fairly typical of our generation to be told no showing off, certainly was in our family. I loved reading this post, you are justifiably proud of your family. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteAlison in Devon x
You have every right to be proud of your children, it sounds as though they have all made really good lives for themselves and their families.
ReplyDeleteI make an extra effort to tell my sons regularly how proud I am of them, my eldest son always wells up if we are together and it's face to face. My Mum never said this to me until I was an adult, and she heard other people telling me what she had never said. My Nana on the other hand, who lived upstairs in our family home, told me on a regular basis, and I loved her for it.
Yes, we too were brought up to take exam and competition results in our stride. I sometimes wonder if I could have made more of our children's successes... at least I can make up for it now.
ReplyDeleteYour children are a family to be justly proud off!
I enjoyed reading more about your children. They certainly are using their gifts & talents in their communities. They seem to take after you & Colin and the examples you set. DL
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all your children, and to you for enabling them and allowing them to follow their own pursuits. What wonderful examples they have followed and are setting their own children.
ReplyDeleteInteresting to read about your three children and you should be proud of all their achievements. I am sure Colin would have been a proud Dad too.
ReplyDeleteAs DL said, I'm sure they followed your hard working example.
Hey, if we don't blow our own trumpets, who'll blow them for us! Toot away, they deserve it from their proud mum! They've worked hard and earned it.
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