Share Your Story
Our Mother/Daughter "Gratitude and Goals" book
Keeping the Resolution to Connect
On most evenings before tuck-in now in 2012, my daughter and I sit on her bed, open a fat, blank book and list our “Gratitude and Goals.”
Simple gratitude for the day that has been, and goals for mañana.
We’re doing it to exercise a muscle I want her to develop into adulthood. The one that gives you faith and patience, hope and “Si se puede.”
And, I won’t lie, to lay the foundation for a tradition that will keep us talking, keep us connected and sharing stories at the end of the day.
We talk a lot now, this daughter of mine and I. Mostly, in the car is when the big questions and conversations happen — everything from her learning to say words-you-don’t-say and why, how families are created and what she’d do if she owned a zoo. Stuff like that.
I imagine that one day, she won’t want to talk to me as much. First, there is the adolescence que me da susto, and second, my daughter is a writer in bloom. No surprise there, with two writers for parents. But, writers can be solitary and moody. (Yes, even those of us who don’t mind putting their crazy on YouTube.)
At the end of the day, when we sit to write in our shared book, this 8-year-old shows me what she has written in her own journal. I keep wondering when her journal will become off-limits to me.
So, as she grows and creates the story of her own life, I want her one day to look at the pages we wrote together and remember not just the moments we wrote about, but the connection that created the words on those pages.
I can hope, anyway.
Y tu?
How do you share stories of your day to day, or of your childhood, with your child?
Do you keep a journal to record the story of your life?
Disclosure: This del alma is sponsored by Hallmark and the Life is a Special Occasion campaign. To receive notices on Hallmark products and special offers sign up for the newsletter.
Un poquito mas:
I LOVE this idea!! This is definitely, inspiring a blog post. :D
I also love this idea! I think I will start doing this with my boy. The conversation about the day takes place mostly in the car as well :) Thank you for sharing.
Helena´s last [fabulousness] ..Chocolate Festival at Fairchild
What is it about the car?
If it wasn’t for the car, I wouldn’t find out half the stuff I do!
This is a wonderful idea. We give thanks through out the day, but I love the idea of having a written record, incorporating goals, and the togetherness of this format. I do something like this on my own but doing it with children in writing opens the communication doors and sets her intention for the following day while she is in a grateful mood. Love it!
“Grateful mood”…we have to enjoy them while we can!
I love this post, and I can touch your feelings about your daughter and your relationship with her. This reminds me that I used to feel like that, and every evening, I was with my daughter, in her bed, reading stories and poetry -as she grew up the readings changed with her-, and talking… always talking about every topic imaginable. We nurtured this wonderful relationship up to this day, and I think this is the most wonderful gift I´ve ever had. The same with my son… but that is another story.
Love this post! As our kids get older they seem to get more distant and then they come around. So glad to be at this place now with my young adult. We currently share with each other at our weekly luncheon or while enjoying our daily evening tea.
How lovely that you have a weekly lunch with your young adult! I hope, I hope, I hope!
Wonderful idea. I have kept a private blog on my daughters that I will share with them one day. I note silly things they say, their accomplishments, … anecdotes.
But doing something, like you’ve done, ALONG with your child, precious! I’m borrowing this idea from you. Thanks for sharing!
a relative keeps a private blog for the daughters and for those of us who are far to see…I think it is a great and wonderful idea. A journal with photos and video!
Nice to meet you!
I love this bond you are creating with your daughter…. My mom and I have an extremely close relationship and I think mainly because we had open dialog while I was growing up. I thank my lucky stars for a momma who listened with open ears and I never felt like any subject was off limits.
I love that gratitudes and goals idea! I’m going to start a journal like that.
And riding in the car was when, and still is when, my mom and I have the best conversations. We’ve shared so many great moments that way as I’m sure you and your daughter will continue to! :)
Feliz lunes!
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I am glad I am the one who drives my daughter around the most. You are right, the car — especially when you’re just listening — is amazing.
Nice to meet you!
So sweet! We have something simliar that we work on during the day, like a journal for notes, words, picture or clippings that we add each day. I jot down a quick note on the backside and date. I am sure your daughter will cherish these moments with you!
vianney´s last [fabulousness] ..Easy Huaraches with Maseca
Lucky homeschooler!
I love the idea of adding photos and clippings! I am going to do that.
Don’t have children yet but I imagine I will write with my child as that is my passion. I have trouble expressing myself if not through writing (even with the crazy YouTube videos lol) so I know that may be the key to communicate with my future kin.
Soooo beautiful! I’ve always kept a journal… until I started blogging. Outside of that the secrets to my soul, my story is on my vision board.
I hope to start traditions like this with my children one day.
Thank you so much for sharing your story – we have our deepest conversations in some of the weirdest places. Our car has been a favorite since my kids were in preschool. Nowadays, it’s changing rooms, the dairy aisle at the grocery store, seeing as 3 out of 4 of my kids are now teens, I’ll take it anywhere I can get it ;)
OMGosh! What a great idea Carrie! I wish I knew more of my mom’s story. She spoke of it often, but I wish I had something to read and touch that I could pass on to my kids too. I should start sharing my story with them too.
Carrie,
I love this idea. Absolutely wonderful, what amazing memories you’re creating with her and providing her with some great life skills at the same time.
Si! Life skills. Glass half full!!! That is the goal!
Lovely. What fabulous memories you’ll be creating with her. How fun!
I started a journal to my son when I was pregnant with him. I would tell him stories of how I was excited for him to be born. I did share them with him on occasion and he thought it was sweet. Later, I would record his voice and we both did talks and prayers to God on cassette ..he’s 18 now..no ipods & didn’t use much Mp3 then;) I have them all in a special box.
As he grew older, we didn’t do it as much and we don’t go back to them, but I know one day he will want to show them to his children. Every now and then,I look through the journals and get all mushy mush since he is a 6’2″ tall teen.
You made me cry! The recordings to God! ay!
What a lucky man your son is!
(and I have a recording with my cousin from when we were 5 that I cherish. My aunt recorded it.)
I love love love this idea!
Every night we say 2-3 three things we’re thankful for in from our day. It’s interesting to see what they come up with. I also like to use stories of my pregnancy and their birth and life before babies with them when I’m trying to get them to settle down. It works magic. One goal this year is to interview the grandparents and great-grandparents so we can capture their stories before it’s too late =)
This is really touching, that sense of connection when growing up can take you “away” from those you love. Add the time we live in when you go out to restaurants and see whole families physically sitting around the same table, but each texting or checking FB, email! What a beautiful journey!