What is something simple you did that realised that you were a good parent

[Donotpanicoknowpanic]

Mine was just now putting my kid to bed

Thinking he had come back from school

Had dinner

Spent the evening drawing

And then sleeping in a comfortable bed

It sounds a really simple thing to do

But then I think about all the things I've done post divorce and everything else that made it possible for that time happen

I listened.

Took them to the circus for the first time today. I don't really like the circus but thought they would love it, so doing it for them was lovely.

I sent DD (at uni) photos of the cats. She misses them.

Seeing my kid put his arm around his friend and say “well done bud” when he’s
been struggling with something. My son spent some time helping and then celebrated him achieving it.

It made my heart feel full ❤️

When DDs friend came to me when she was worried about something because she knew I'd be calm and help her out (before going apeshit) whereas her parents would go apeshit and stay apeshit.

When my DC were toddlers and they were all bathed and padding around in their spotty dog and monster inc sleep suits. Their hair very newly washed with a little comb over type style.

I felt ridiculously proud when the dentist complimented his teeth, his dental hygiene routine and said “well done mum” 😇

When I started to explain to her teacher why DDs bambi-esque legs were bruised after playing out in the garden all weekend and she said she loves to see kids with signs of an active childhood with involved parents (as opposed to the kids who turn up with bruised legs with more sinister origins)

When my teenagers tell me stuff. Serious stuff. They get a friend post something worrying on Snapchat and their first thought is to tell me and ask for advice even at 15.

When my kids tell me I’m the best mum ever it makes me feel I’ve done something right. Also seeing them be kind to others.

I read so so many stories. No matter how worn out I was.

I picked my battles with my teenagers and as a Mum of adult children there are no resentments and they are thoughtful and caring.

When my toddler knocked over a cup
of milk by accident and didn’t bat an eyelid. As a child I’d have been really worried about my DF’s reaction and I was proud to see that DS wasn’t scared.

Stroked a tarantula so toddler DD would think spiders are 'lovely' and not learn my fear.

When my teenage eldest son rang at 2.00am to say his friend was drunk, sat down on a wall and he couldn't get him home, knowing that I wouldn't get cross but just come and help him (friend's dad was a vicar and he didn't dare ring him). Friend slept on his bedroom floor with a sick bowl til he was sober enough for home.

Always like my kids to be walking by my side or in front of me so I can see them and grab then if they start to walk into a road or trip. Two of them are teenagers and taller than me but if we are out together I still don’t like them lagging behind me and they think I’m slightly mad.

When they were smaller and holding hands with me, I did this thing with my little finger where I sort of wrapped it around their wrist for extra protection. I still do it with my youngest if he holds my hand.