Bravery

I am a firm believer in instilling bravery in our children.  Yesterday Lucas took the big step and went into the 4-5 year old classroom without Melayna and I.  He loved it.  He was so nervous about it at first though that he kept asking what to do if he wanted me and just kept talking about it and then getting quiet.  He felt a little better after I taught him how to say "I need help" and "I don't understand." Yesterday morning he wanted to eat breakfast with Melayna and I and then he kissed me and off he went as brave as could be.  At the first break time he told me he was having fun and at the end of the day he said, "Thank you for having me go to class by myself."  I am so happy we decided to have him go on his own, I only wish we had done it earlier in the time here.  Both he and Melayna had a great day yesterday and today.  I think they needed the time away from one another.  There are so many things in life that need bravery and I think that if you start kids out young, the future scary situations can be a little easier.  I also think that daycare for my children (I never thought I would say it), and spending weekends away from Matt and I and going on vacations with my parents has really laid the framework for Lucas and Melayna to be brave and be able to go out on their own.  When they are with Matt or I all day everyday, it is hard to get them to do things on their own and try new things, but without us they both are totally different.  Don't get me wrong, I love having a lot of time with them and love being a stay at home mom, but I firmly believe that kids need to be away from their parents in order to truly gain independence and bravery.  I also want to add that making things "better" all the time does not help with bravery and confidence either.  The other day Lucas had a big tower made and one of the babies at daycare destroyed it.  Lucas was devastated and got hysterical.  I took him outside and we talked about it.  I told him that sometimes he will work really hard at something and it will not work, it will break, someone will make fun of it or break it and the best thing to do is take a deep breath and start over.  Then two days later Melayna broke a "creation" he made and he came to me and said, "I am really mad she did that, but can I do it again and put it on the table where she cannot reach it?"  I have never been so proud of him.  He is growing up I just hope not too fast.  So if I could give any advice to young moms, it would be to take time away from your kids and help them gain confidence and bravery by not being there all the time and not fixing all the problems they have.  You will not regret it and neither will they.