Parenting with Love

ABC news covered a delightful clip of a reporter who was interrupted by a “fan” while he was reporting on a story. With microphone in hand, and in the middle of recording a story on the side of a not-very-busy street, he pauses because he sees his mom in a car right behind him.

This is what happens:

Reporter: This’s my mom. Hold on.

Mom: (enthusiastically) Hi, baby!

Reporter: I’m trying to work right now, and you’re over there calling my phone. This is D’Angelo, you can say hi.

Mom: Hi D’Angelo.

Reporter: And don’t be holding up traffic because you’ve got cars behind you.

Mom: Alright. (And she drives on while laughter is heard by the camera person and crew.)

It’s one of my favorite news stories. When the reporter posted the clip on his social media he titled it “Typical Sandy, yes, typical Sandy.”

As I watched it I felt like I could totally relate to Momma Sandy. She was so proud of her son and she was busting with enthusiasm and pride. (I once drove by as my twenty-something daughter was on a date at a Starbucks. Although that wasn’t out of pride, more fear, but you get the idea. And like the reporter, my daughter noticed me and addressed me. Fun day.)

You can tell by the fun banter during the reporter’s interaction with his mom that he deeply loves his mom. First, he takes the time to stop and talk with her. Then, the way she says, “Hi, baby” is very endearing. He introduces her to D’Angelo and tells her, “You can say hi” which speaks to his understanding of the way his mom is and his respect for her. He also addresses his mom, “you’re over there calling my phone” and “don’t be holding up traffic,” and she listens and moves on. 

When our kids—whatever their age—know that we love them deeply and that we are proud of them and that we are in their corner, it sets the foundation for a healthy relationship.

When our kids know we are so proud of them, and love them like crazy, it gives them a sense of value.

When our kids know that we will respond to what they ask for, and respect their personhood, it helps secure their inner resolve.

So often we as parents focus on “correcting” our children—and there’s certainly a time and place for that, but perhaps we’d be better suited to focus more on showing love and pride?

“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

– Colossians 3:14

For more from Lucille Williams check out her books The Impossible Kid: Parenting a Strong-Willed Child with Love and Grace, and for your marriage, From Me to We, and The Intimacy You Crave. And Turtle Finds His Talent for ages 2-6. We invite you to subscribe to LuSays today for weekly encouragement.