Ask Your Kids

When I had children, I had no mother, no mother-in-law, and no one to guide me about parenting.  At the time there was no internet, otherwise I’m sure I would have become the ultimate “mommy blogger.”  Millions of mommies write blogs about their kids, post pictures, share information and advice–somehow finding the time to do this.

I just read about a recent trend among mommy bloggers– asking their kids a list of questions about their moms–of course getting revealing and adorable answers.

I was wishing I had something like this when my kids were younger.  And then I realized I did.  Sitting across from me inside a frame is a wonderful gift that Daniel’s 3rd grade teacher had the class fill out and give to their moms on Mother’s Day.  I will always treasure the “Bio-Poem” Daniel wrote about me when he was 9.

Mom: sentimental, artistic, outgoing

Lover of: pottery, chocolate, cappuccino

Who feels: happy to be my mother

Who needs: Love, her family, to go to bed earlier

Who gives: Love to her family

Who fears: ferris wheels, knives, McDonald’s

Who would like to: always be with her family

I sobbed when he gave it to me.  (Everything made me sob, I was not too far past my cancer diagnosis.  10 years later, when my kids give me something, I still sob.)

Today I updated the mommy blogger questions and added some for older kids.  You could adapt it or add your own–if you agree that this is a wonderful idea for parents to ask kids, of any age.

What makes me happy?

What makes me sad?

How do I make you laugh?

What is my favorite thing to do?

What am I really good at doing?

What I am I not very good at doing?

What makes you proud of me?

What embarrasses you about me?

What is my favorite food?

How are we the same?

How are we different?

What is the best advice I ever gave you?

What is the worst advice I ever gave you?

What is my greatest fault?

What is my greatest strength?

What is something useful I taught you?

What is something useful I never taught you that you wish I had?

I sent the questions to my kids, and I can’t wait to see what they’ll answer.  Or if they’ll answer me at all.

Now that they’re older and wiser, their answers might not be as adorable as when Daniel was 9.  And I can’t promise I’ll be willing to share what I get back.