Things Jerry Says #21 – I am so proud of you!

As a ftwm (full-time working mum), I often struggle between the responsibilities at work as well as the splitting my time between a mummy, a wife, a home maker, maintaining a blog and a whole lot more of responsibilities in between. I previously wrote about the struggles of being a ftwm here and here but today, I will tell you a conversation that tugged at my heart strings.

One that makes me wonder if I should stop working and really spend time with the kid in his growing up years. There is just so many years that the kid needs you before they are off to explore the world and doesn’t want a naggy or unhip mother at his back.

I have been working late for the past weeks, often getting home a lot later than the kids. Sometimes, even after they are in bed. On Tuesday evening this week, I got home earlier than them because the husband had to work really late to clear his backlogs from the long weekend that we had and here’s what happened when Jerry came home… beaming, and grinning ear to ear as he sees me in the house and greets me, “Mameeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!”

After which, he came right up to me and said the following…

Jerry (J): Mummy, I am so proud of you.
Mummy (M): (??) Why are you proud of me?
J: Because you come home early today, so I am proud of youuuuu. I love you mummy! (proceeds to give me a hug) (*cues awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww*)
M: (speechless) (tears stinging eyes right that moment)

I almost melted into a puddle of goo, and it was the most wonderful thing I heard since I became a mother. #rewardsofmotherhood

It made me rethink about my work a lot in the following days to come, and try as I might… I want to try to come home earlier than the kids everyday and let my kid be proud of me always.

In case you are wondering, I use the liner – “I am so proud of you because [insert desirable behavior]” when Jerry does something that I consider a good behaviour without any of my prompting. I do that as a positive reinforcement and hopefully, strives to have him learn and repeat the positive, desirable behaviour. Looks like it has rubbed off him and he is trying to apply it on me now (as with a million other things he learned!). This kid ah….

What are some of the best things that you heard as a mum? Do share and tell me how you feel. I honestly felt like I won a million bucks in the lottery, or even, happier.  Definitely a very precious memory to blog down.