What are you proud of as a parent?

[Lizita]

I hope this doesn't wind up making people feel cr*p, or sound like a big boast, it is intended to do the opposite!

A while ago when I was feeling like a cr*p mum, I made 2 lists for myself, one of things I've done that I am proud of, and one of things that I could improve on (putting that a positive way ) It really boosted my self esteem & confidence so thought I'd invite you all to do the same... at least, the first list as that is the one that makes you feel good! I know there have been other threads all about what we're about but that's why I'm providing an antidote!

My main proud achievements are that I am consistent: I NEVER give in once I've already said no, I follow through with any threats or promises I make, as a result I think dd is quite secure & obedient! (yeah right! )

I have had dd cook with me often the past couple of months, and I am so chuffed about this, she knows all her vegetables and is even eating some of them now . She even eats capers!! And this used to be one incredibly fussy little person. (dd is 2.3 by the way).

I am proud of establishing a strict bedtime routine, keeps me sane...

I think I have a good balance in terms of TV watching. Don't watch much children's telly, but dd has her favourite videos & DVDs, but she doesn't usually watch more than an hour a day, unless i'm ill or hungover . Oh and that doesn't include Neighbours & The Simpsons at the end of the day - an important part of her bedtime routine - for me that is!!

Good idea Lizita - we are often all so negative about our abilities as mums, it's nice to focus more on our good bits now and then and what we feel we have done right for a change .

I think what I am proud of most with my DDs (4.9) is their empathy, they are both very caring and sweet with other children. Not sure if that is anything to do with me though or just their nature.

I'm proud of their diet and the way I have tried to stick to healthy food, mostly, and not go down the crap junk food route which a lot of their friends have done. Subsequently they are very interested in good food and don't like to eat burgers, nuggets etc. Again, hope this is down to me , like to think so.

That DS1 and 2 are still alive after nearly 5 and 7 years

a satisfying job done

I was very proud when a lady in a resturant passed by & said "what a well behaved & polite little girl"

That I had her potty trained 2 weeks after her 2nd birthday

That her diet is healthy

That when given a lolly by the lady in our local shop (3/4 times a week) she gives it to me & says "later mummy" & would rather have something savoury than sweet. (I am a dental nurse with TERRIBLE teeth!!)

That she was better behaved than a bunch of 6 yr olds at a birthday party!

I am also dead proud when she tells me she loves me!

I am proud that my sons top five foods are

Carrots
Pears
Sweetcorn
Strawberries
Broccoli

If there is a choice between choccies and the above he will choose the above (and then eat the chocolate after LOL)

that we are going to a cafe for tea tonight and I am looking forward to it (they are 6 and 3)

I know I feed my kids really well
Neither have had tantrums, so I think I have done really well there, dd sleeps really well anywhere, both kids are smily friendly and have lovely manners.
I talk to them play and read to them, but I also have taught them to play on their own
like now

mrsdil - my ds is similar, his favourites are parsnips and sprouts before anything else!

in that case I really like that I keep my dd warm in winter Enid

ditto for me piffle re dd good at spending time doing her own thing as well as a good chunk of time spent playing/reading with me.

oh and ditto re enjoying going to a cafe!

• that i still manage to behave like a decent human being despite not having had a full nights sleep for 14 months

- that ds is a happy outgoing little chap - blue eyes, curly hair and a beaming smile

Without wanting to set off the parp alarms - I am just proud to be my two lovely little girls? mum. No-one else in the whole world can claim that and in a way, through them, I feel just a little bit special. This is no small achievement as I am someone with ridiculously low self esteem and very very shy

That my DD cuddles me, pats me on the back and says "Its ok" when I cry (less proud of crying in front of her).

That she says sorry genuinely and easily - even if it wasn't her fault.

That she loves books, and can recognise some letters (even if they are TV related ones... "S for Shrek", "L for Lilo" ).

(She's 2 1/2)

My "less proud of" list is much longer right now though