I came to an interesting realization recently. My best friend is a better mom than I am. I’m not saying she loves her children more—but I am saying she has more patience and better parenting techniques than I do.
Here’s an example. We’re at my house and my two daughters and her two daughters are upstairs playing–when we start to hear shouting. My friend, we’ll call her Yvonne, whistles loudly and beautifully.
Silence.
The shouting has stopped.
Yvonne says, “Friends, we need to get along and enjoy our play date or else we’ll have to go home and that will make your mommies sad.”
From upstairs I hear a chorus of, “Yes Mommy”… and “Yes, Ms. Yvonne.”
I look on in amazement and admiration.
Wanna know how I would have handled that situation?
“GIRLS, YOU BETTER SHUT UP OR NONE OF YOU ARE GETTING SNACK FOR A WEEK!!!!”
Another example: Our families are together at the pool. It’s almost time to leave. Yvonne whistles, again beautifully, and sings, “Five fingers in the air!” I’ve learned that means they have five more minutes to play. The girls all nod enthusiastically and continue playing for five more precious minutes.
Wanna know how I would have handled that situation?
“GIRLS, IT’S TIME TO GET OUT OF THE POOL!!! GIRLS!! DID YOU HEAR ME?? GIRLS, GET YOUR BUTTS OUT OF THE POOL NOW OR NO ONE GETS SNACK FOR A WEEK!!”
Final example.
Picture it. Lunchtime. Yvonne’s house. The girls are hungry. Yvonne pulls out grilled chicken strips and carrots. And Fruit for a snack.
Wanna know how I handle lunchtime?
“Hello, Pizza Hut… I’d like two large cheese pizzas.”
I admit I’ve learned a lot from Yvonne. Who I may add is a former elementary school teacher, so she has way more experience coming up with creative techniques of dealing with children. I also now say “five fingers in the air” when it’s almost time to leave somewhere fun. I also have gone to Publix and stocked up on grilled chicken cutlets.
However, I draw the line at whistling and calling everyone “friends”. It’s just not in my nature.
And, I admit, at first I felt guilty letting her handle all the parenting situations that have arisen when we get the families together. Now, I’m perfectly happy sitting on the couch sipping my coffee and letting her be Mother of the Year.
I know when I’m beat! My friend is a better mom than I am.
