I want you to spell correctly, LOVE is spelled MOM.

As the teacher explained how bright this particular class was, she mentioned their inability to spell. She said there were about 12 students who really struggle with spelling. This is important, of course, when writing and taking the written part of the ACT. The check-list of mothering starts rising its ugly head. We mothers want affirmation that we are doing our job. Good students, good grades, good behaviour, and thus we are good mothers. BAD. I am concerned, with todays emphasis on outward characteristics, spelling, grades, etc., we mothers are losing sight of our greatest priviledge. Showing our child love and nurturing them through the waters of life. When our children have a school problem or project, I am completely available to buy supplies, take them somewhere and assist them in the completion of the task, but most importantly, my job is to be there, listen, understand, and watch them work through the school stuff. The number ONE on the list should be LOVE, not schoolwork. I am afraid young people are missing valuable lessons from mothers because we are assuming the role of a teacher in the classroom rather than covering our children with conversation, hugs, special trips to Baskin Robbins, precious moments of crisis and support through the tough decisions or effort. I believe if we moms spell love out for our children, everyday, their spelling will improve greatly in the classroom. Sure, I am hard on my children about doing a good job in school, no doubt about it, but I am even harder on loving them into adulthood. The next time a grade issue or school issue arises, pull out your own spelling sheet and make sure your child can spell love, it begins with an M.