“How am I doing as a mom?” At a conference last week, the speaker said she gets regular feedback on her parenting from her kids. I thought I would try it out. I asked my kids what they thought I did well as a mom, how I made them feel loved, and what they liked that I do. I also asked them what was something I could do better or something they would like if I could do for them.
My eight-year-old’s feedback:
Positive: You notice and help me when I am sad, and you bring us to fun places.
Growth Opportunity: You don’t always pause what you are doing when you see me upset to come and check on me. You make me come to you.
My six-year-old’s feedback:
Positive: You let me play video games, and you make stuff fun even when it is boring stuff.
Growth Opportunity: You could ask me if I had a bad day right when I came home from the bus.
My one-year-old’s feedback:
Instant feedback of smiling or loud screaming and swatting said item away!
I think I will make this a regular question for my kids. It helps me hear what they are experiencing, and what is important to them. It also shows it is good to get feedback to grow. Growth opportunities don’t mean failure! I have started pausing intentionally, when possible, from my work when the bus gets home. I give them my attention for 5-10 minutes before I finish up my work for the day. I like the new routine! Give it a try, and ask your kids for some feedback.