Life Lessons

There are many times as a parent that I find myself unsure with the actions and decisions that need to be made because of one of our children's choices. I want to handle things the best way possible, but that isn't always a clear line from A to B. Then throw in the differences between children and one good choice we've made in the past for helping one child grow doesn't always work with the next! I know that many people don't have the opportunity to parent with a spouse, and that must add so much more pressure to these times when life lessons need to be taught. Gratefully, the Big Guy Lowe and I get to tackle these challenges together. I find reasons on a daily basis to be more and more grateful for my wonderful Big Guy Lowe. He is truly one of the greatest blessings in my entire life. We make a pretty good team, if I say so myself.

Pokemon.


Did you ever think that Pokemon would be the instigator of life lessons in honesty? I can't say that I have ever been tempted by these cards, but for a six year old, I've found their allure is pretty strong. So strong that some of these little cards were hidden from a friend's collection the other day while he was visiting our home. Now, smiles do creep into the corners of my mouth as I think that our oldest didn't think of trying to hide them in a better spot than under the ottoman in our playroom where they were promptly found as we were all involved in Saturday morning cleaning.

That pleases me. Maybe that means that he will be able to learn about the importance of honesty before he is able to develop those more complex thoughts that come the older we get.

Well, gratefully (for us parents at least) the cards were found, and an emotional morning has ensued. After talking in depth about honesty and stealing, how it makes us feel inside, how it makes others feel, saying a prayer asking Heavenly Father for forgiveness and the courage to do what is right, we contacted the other family and have arranged a time to go over to their home so apologies can be made in person and stray Pokemon cards can be returned with twice as many of our son's own cards given as retribution. As parents, we are hoping for this to be a pretty memorable experience for our oldest son.

I don't think we'll be forgetting it any time soon either.