Living Through Our Kids

Okay, I admit it. I am an Oprah junkie. That said, I'm sitting here watching her show. Today she is talking about parents that live their dreams through their children. She said that all parents have a dream that they try to live through their children (at least that is my take on her comment). My first reaction to that was, "No way!" Then I stopped and thought about it.

It's true...at least for me (and many others, but I can't speak for them). I don't push Peanut into activities. My thing is for him not to be fat. I can be fanatical about his food (note: not mine...just his). He must have a balanced meal or I feel absolutely like the world's worst mom. I've tried to be better. Occasionally, I let him have junk food (french fries, chips, ice cream, cake, etc.). I still hate it when people give him candy or soda.

I also try to spend as much time as possible outside (even though I'd rather be inside). I don't force or tell him what activities to do once outside and he loves being outside. However, my reason for him being outside is so he'll be more likely to be active and as a result...not get fat. I've also stopped having the t.v. on. If we are in the house, the t.v. is off. The funny thing is, now if I turn it on, Peanut will come up to me and say, "T.V. off, Mommy. Come play."

So, while I've now realized that, yes I am forcing a dream of mine on Peanut...I don't feel all that bad. He is learning good life skills and I just need to make sure that I don't get too fanatical about the food thing.

Until later...