One thing my tween has to deal with is his siblings.  He is the oldest of our three children.  Being the oldest has it’s perks.  But being the oldest also comes with responsibilities.  I rely alot on Lincoln to help me with our baby.  Often he will get her out of her crib in the morning, get her a sippie cup and read her stories.  He really loves her and likes to help, but sometimes he doesn’t want to help.

I have tried to teach him the importance of looking out for his little sisters.  In turn, I have noticed that he also looks out for other little children.  It is an important concept to teach out tweens.  I hope to instill in him the importance of not only looking out for younger children, but also standing up for himself and for things he feels strongly about.

I think the basis of this comes from teaching him right from wrong, teaching him to look for the good in others and stand up for those who are picked on or made fun of.    I feel like Lincoln has a good grasp on this.  Is he perfect at it…no?  But that’s okay.  I think one of the best ways I can teach him these things are through example.  I know he watches his Dad and me.  He wants to be like us…so we better be on our best behavior for him!!!

How do you teach your tween how to look out for those who are younger and also those who might not be ‘cool’?

“If we stop to think about what we do, really do, we are building for the centuries.  We are building character, and tradition, and values, which meander like a river into the distance and out of our sight, but on and on and on.”

Anna Quindlen

One thing that inspires me more then anything in this world is a loving Mother.  I love watching a Mother hug and kiss their child.  I love watching a Mother get on the same level as their child and talk a problem through.  Good Mothers truly inspire me!!

I am definitely a person who needs and appreciates good examples in my life.  There are times when I feel a bit lost in Motherhood.  Maybe I feel a little tired and worn out or just beaten down by my kids.  These are the times when I look to other women in my life.

I see my sister-in-law loving my baby, I see a Mother lost in her newborns smile, I see a Mother teaching her child about the way that God loves them.  I look to the strength of these great Mother’s to help me get through that day or that moment.    Having women in our lives to look up to and be inspired by is a treasure.  It is important, it is vital it is therapeutic.

Here is a bit of advice from a wise leader of our Country, I look to her for strength and inspiration;

Your success as a family…our success as a nation…depends not on what happens inside the White House, but on what happens inside your house.”

Barbara Bush