Hi! My name is Mom, and I spoil my kids....

Hi! My name is Mom, and I spoil my kids....

I spoil my kids. I'm not ashamed about it. As a single-mother of all boys, I believe it's important that I take my time and spoil them when and where I can.  Usually it's making them a special dinner that I know they will LOVE, or taking them lunch at school, and occasionally surprising them with a really fun day away from our usual grind.  I get shot with paintballs, I streak through the air below zip-lines, I hike into waterfalls, I set up a campsite like nobody's business, I catch curve balls without shin guards on and hit grounders to shortstop and I am submerged in youth sports, I've been covered in mud more times then I can count and I know more about a construction site than most people. I have learned that it is very important to do what your kids want to do WITH THEM! So, yes. I spoil my kids.  I am their mom, every hour of everyday.  I believe in acts of service and giving them such gifts.  When I am at the grocery store I will purposefully pick goodies, special fruit, chocolates, popcorn, or a certain kind of juice that's $5 per bottle.  I do this because I want to show my kids they are special to me and that I am always thinking of them whenever they aren't with me.  I'm always considering them and how my action or inaction will benefit or hurt them.  Being a mom is a lot of work!  Speaking of work, I work....everyday.  I am fortunate to have always made enough money to raise my family. On my own.  I didn't make it sound easy right?  I work very hard...and we play hard! 

Before you assume I spoil my kids in the negative "spoiled rotten" sense, I will need to clarify.  In my household, the kids have chores and responsibilities and they do what I tell them to at MOST given moments.  It takes a team to run this place!  They clean up the house, do dishes, take out trash and recycling, and they clean their own room.  I DO NOT give them an allowance.  I do not believe my kids should do chores for money, they need to do jobs around the house because it's life and they're learning a very important life skill. Jobs held outside the home are for payment.  When they are grown up men, they will still have to do housework....without kudos and rewards!  Trust me, I am sure nobody notices most of the dirty jobs that are handled in anyone's home!  But they still have to get done!  My kids earn money working for my dad with his construction company.  They work hard!  How I "repay" them  for being an active part of this family, is with movie money, batting cage tokens, spending cash while hanging out with friends, eating out at their favorite restaurants, and probably many more examples I don't need to list.  I do not believe I should purchase them everything they want just to get it.  They understand hard work and that my money is spent foremost on bills and food, then necessities....then fun!  You get the point.  I spoil my kids with my time and attention mostly.  I am at nearly every single practice and game, I help with homework, and volunteer in their classrooms and on sports teams.  I've been chastised for dedicating too much time to my kids.  I've been told I need my own life, time to myself and blah-blah-blah.  Other's opinions can be very harsh, and some are also very supportive.  I feel so blessed that I am able to do as much as I can and still work and support my family financially.  I. Spoil. My. Kids.  

Yesterday, I walked into my older kids room.  I felt compelled to assess the damage from hurricane Weekend.  As I started picking up random chip bags, Gatorade bottles, and assorted colored dirty socks....I realized that my oldest son had slept on the floor?  Naturally, I checked their beds to see maybe if they were a mess or there were snakes in there or who knows really?! Brave, I know...maybe dumb as a mom of teenage boys.  Anyway, a flood of inspiration came over me!  As I threw pillows from their bunk-beds and stripped away sheets and wadded up blankets I decided they needed new mattress pads and pillows ASAP!  I mean, how serene is the feeling of new, fresh, clean, cozy bedding to you?  I know that when I slip into a freshly made bed with a plush mattress topper, 1000TC sheets, fluffy down comforter, plump pillows to line the headboard for leaning....it's just....aaaaahhhhh.  This is the gift I chose to give my boys today.  If this is the one simply frivolous favor I can do for my boys that they will enjoy for a while to come.  At the local "Box" store, I filled my cart with mattress toppers and huge fluffy king pillows.  While there I ran into my oldest son's grandma.  It seemed ironic because she was the mother of all mothers and is now the grandmother equivalent!  As a young mother to her only grandchild, I got to see her dote on her son and mine and she was very inspirational to me to become a doer of nice things.  She is a true blessing to all of those around her.  Of course, when I told her what I was up to, she loved it!  Spoiling my kids is just one way I show them that I love them.  I do believe that, as grown up men, they will be good receivers of attention and hopefully, learn how to spoil those they love.

In the evening, after the beds were all made-up, we were all standing outside in the cold rain and wind.  All I said to them on the way home, "there's a surprise for you on your beds".  At 14 & 16 years old, they have a tendency to display an underwhelming response, which I expected.  However, at bedtime....it all came together.  This is exactly what they needed!  I received hugs and thanks of the quietest, coziest kind.  I will take it.  I love spoiling my kids like this.  Not only words mean love.  Actions show love.  Intention shows you care.  Consideration makes them feel special.  I spoil my kids with love, Intention, and consideration.