Like this:

The kids are always listening to us.  Even when we don’t think they are.  I’ve heard them say things to each other that they have heard from me – and I don’t always like how they sound.  So it’s awesome when it IS something you want to hear…….

We had some friends over the other day and all the kids were in the basement. Emily and Annie started fighting.  Annie ran to her room upset.  Emily apologized but Annie wasn’t quite ready to accept it, still mad.  Emily went off to keep playing and I kept Annie company for a few more minutes.  When Annie went back down to join the group she passed Emily on the stairs and said “I love you no matter what you do”.

Wow.  Holy Cow.  I guess she has been listening because I have said that to both of the kids on more than one occasion.  (A classic Vicki quote that I can’t take any credit for.)  But it was awesome to hear.  It shows me how much progress we have made with this program.  How much they are moving beyond the mean words and the “you’re stupid” taunts.   More and more often their fights are turning into giggles.  I hear random appreciations and “would you be willing”.

One of my favorite things about this exchange is that we heard about it from Emily.  She knew something special had happened here.  Our home is a place where our girls know they are loved “no matter what”.  By EVERYONE here.   Love that.

 

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