I broke one of the cardinal rules of parenting, I think.
But I’m not sorry I did.
One of the rules in our home, is “No climbing on the table”–coffee table, end table, whatever table–isn’t allowed. We’re pretty laid back as a family, but teaching our children manners that stay consistent as they grow? That is a biggie for us.
And dancing on a table isn’t something I would typically encourage.
But today I let–no, I encouraged–Harlow to break that rule.
I could probably read into the way that Harlow’s eyes lit up when I plopped her on the coffee table for some photos. I could worry about the future teenage years and assume the worst because of how excited she was, but I’m seeing it differently. I vividly remember as a child when rules and structure were broken–or maybe just slightly bent–by my parents.
It was kind of the best thing ever.
Staying up late when company was over–I loved listening to adult conversation.
Ordering pop when we went out to eat: we are a water family, so pop/soda/coke was a big treat.
Baking cookies in the middle of the night because a storm kept me awake–oh wait, that was my mom and sister. I’m not jealous, and clearly I’m not harboring any jealousy over that one. ;o]
So when I lifted Harlow on to that table, I had no idea that God would be teaching me a lesson as I watched her twirl and dance and stomp her feet.
I also had no idea that I would be fighting back tears while writing this post.
I know the list above is simple and plain and probably quite boring. But to me?
These seemingly small events in my life, were little events that displayed affirmation of my parents’ love for my sisters and me.
It was a reminder that we were more important than structure.
It was a confirmation of correct priorities–work and commitments were important, but so were we.
It taught me the importance of being flexible.
But most of all, they showed me that they loved us in a way that caused them to disrupt normal flow and structure–and when rules and plans changed, it reminded us again of just how much.
[In case you were wondering, “no climbing/dancing on the table” is a rule again–until I decide it’s time to break it again.]
[Photos by Rachel Rowland Photography]
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On Harlow: Mt Dew Dress, made/designed by Aunt Kaitlyn // jeggings, Circo, Target // slippers, her momma, Coconut Robot
and then I swooned.
Only you can make letting your baby girl break some rules for the sake of cute pictures turn into a beautifully written post about her importance to your family.
Love this. Love you.
So not me, Katie!! I was just going to swoon a little bit about her dress and her …. and then – bam. Caught me off guard. God needed me to learn a lesson I think.
xoxo
Love. We do this sort of “breaking of rules” in our home on occasion for the same reason.
(Also, how adorable is that dress?)
I know. I ADORE this dress – and I never want her to outgrow it!
Have any other Ideas for “memory making rule breaking?”
would LOVE to hear!
These are such lovely pictures. I remember the rule-breaking fondly. Sitting up with mom on nights dad worked late, watching the TV shows we weren’t normally allowed to watch.
Those were fun nights.
Ever wonder why it’s those “rule breaking” memories that stick the most? Now i’m curious!
What a sweet little girl! I fondly recall ‘rule breaks’ growing up, and I hope I can make the same special memories for my kids!
Thanks Tenaya!!
It’s crazy how I wasn’t planning on going this direction – and then somehow I did!
xo
Great post.
I love it when rules are bent… Jut for a little while.
Some nights growing up we would be allowed to have dinner in front if the tv if one parent wasn’t at home. It was the best thing ever but I’m sure it’d it was the norm I would wish to sit at the table.
I really do have to keep reminding myself that it’s okay to break the rules sometimes…ugh!
And YES! i wish it was the norm too!!
Ah, I love this! You’re right, bending the rules temporarily is great fun:) And I have to say as an aside, I LOVE your table. I would *so* want to dance on it too! :-D
xx
isn’t is fun, Susanne!!?!? Andy fixed it up – it’s from the old Nabisco factory here in PIttsburgh!
I worry so much about being consistent with my little man, but this is great advice!
And I’m so in love with that Mtn. Dew dress!!!
I’ve definitely learned that allowing the rule break is okay … but then I need to be even more consistent in the every day stuff…. but we’re not robots. I keep reminding myself of that!!
yes, i love the table but even more so do I love the words of this post.