The Best and Worst Part of My Day

We all have crazy busy lives, and I learned throughout single parenthood that nothing else matters except those little faces that are staring at you.  No money problems, no social issues, no discipline issues, nothing..... Not that I have been a model parent, because I know that isn't the case, but that I have learned what is important and how to cherish that moment. 

So eating dinner at the kitchen table was a tradition we installed.  That might even mean, we have to push all that laundry over and eat at one end of the table......because our schedules are so crazy we can't seem to get things done. But that means we are eating together at the table and talking.

There were several traditions I inherited being married for almost 12 years into the Grim Reaper's family.  I will say the family is amazing, and to this day his sisters are an important part of all of our lives.  Having said that....  One sister in particular had a ritual that we latched on to.  It is absolutely the one ritual my children will never forget.  And I can't thank her enough for the wonderful ideas to help us cherish these moments.  It seems novice, but at the dinner table we go round and each child gets a chance to say what the best and worst part of their day was. 

I have never known of a practice that allows you to learn so much about what is going on in your child's life. 

Of course not always does it go as planned...  I remember vividly one day Ryan started crying telling me the worst part of his day was when his best friend "broke up" with him.  Then of Course big sister has to chime in "Stupid.....Boys don't break up" (said in that smart sisterly voice) and then Mom has to step in.  But the point is, we all get a good laugh, cry, or whatever we need.

It has now even gotten to where all the kids are raising their hands in anticipation of telling me about their day.  I get to learn about their homework, their social issues, and the simplest of innocence that I just know won't last long.  I have learned some interesting things about the teachers, their friends, or even what their friends parents might think of me...(Which believe it or not isn't all bad.)

It has become such a great tradition, that even when we go out  for dinner Jake will raise his hand and start with the best part of his day.  One proud mommy is all I can say.  Now if I could just get them to pick up their dirty clothes.....or heck, clean ones too for that matter!

No matter what, Dinner is the absolutely the best part of my day.....