Olympic Mom Proud

I have really been enjoying the Olympics. I really enjoy watching all the athletes and rooting for my favorites. But along with watching the athletes, I have been fascinated with watching the reactions of their mothers.

I think this might have something to do with the P&G commercial, "To Their Moms, They'll Always Be Kids". Ever since I saw this commercial, it just struck a cord with me. And every time I see it, I get goose bumps and a little teary eyed.

I actually think that I know a little of how they are feeling. And no, its not because jumping on furniture has become an Olympic sport. If this were the case my kids would totally take gold, hands down.

Its because recently I have been beaming with pride over Hayden's behavior in school.

For the most part Hayden likes school. He enjoys his friends and learning math and science. He also is really, really excited that he is learning to read. But one thing that he really struggles with is following the class room rules, like sitting still, waiting your turn, personal space and not following directions. To put it simply, Hayden and sitting still go to together as well as oil and water.

Hayden's teacher has a reward system set up to foster good behavior and following the class room rules. Each child starts out with a green card by their name every day and if they misbehave the card is turned to yellow and sometimes red. But if the child can keep their card green all day, then they can pick a prize from the prize chest.

Hayden often times comes home from school, saying that his card is always gets turned to yellow. I, of course, ask him why to which he answers, "Mom, yellow is just the bestest I can do. I try and try to keep my card green but I just can't."

I know that he wants to get a green card but I don't push him too hard. I know that he will get there. But everyday before school, Jeff and I just remind him to do his best and really, really try hard to keep his card green.

One morning, I found Hayden playing with this new little toy that I didn't recognize. I asked him about it. "I got it from the prize chest because I kept my card green all week!" He said with a smile from ear to ear.

I squealed with delight, did a little happy dance, grabbed him and gave him a huge hug!

I couldn't have been more proud if he had just won Olympic gold.