Be careful what you don't say.

I forgot. Our daughter needed another notebook for one of her classes. As I approached her as to why she did not remind me, she responded, "sometimes you seem frustrated that I need things." I told her that I had never said that. She said, "you don't have to, you just seem bothered by it." Once again, this sweet child of mine has dropped a nugget of knowledge on my head. She was right. We parents think we are being great when we don't say what we think, when in fact our kids are so on target, they know how we feel. She felt needing things was bad because we just had Christmas. Now I know some teenagers are not grateful or such I say not taught to be grateful, but some are very sensitive to what sacrifices are made for them and we parents need to be careful. I quickly apologized for my impatience or irritation and explained that many times we parents or I do, respond out of tiredness and too much to get done. As I asked her to make her famous list of what she needs, she said she felt bad because we were spending money on her homecoming dress. I looked her straight in the eyes and told her I was thrilled to have a daughter who was elected Homecoming attendant for the sophomore class. It was a pleasure, not a burden. Our world has become so confusing for young people that they don't really understand what the responsibilities of their parents involves. We should never make them feel guilty for accomplishments that add to our budget. In fact, we need to tell them thank-you for the privilege of sharing this special moment. No matter if it is buying school supplies or a fancy dress for the homecoming court. I am going to watch myself to make sure she sees the truth and hears it.