Having happy kids

Last week I wrote about some of the things that my kids miss out on because Josh and I have decided to have a large, transracial, adoptive family, and I also wrote about the things that I believe our kids have gained from being a part of a large, transracial, adoptive family.

While I have tried to grow some “thicker skin” over the years, one of the comments that still cuts me to the core is that somehow the family we have built is damaging (or “unfair” in the words of an extended family member a few years back) to Nathan, Ryan and Shane (our three biological sons).

I think almost all parents want their children to be happy more than just about anything else, and I have no doubts that Josh and I are doing what is best for our family and that our kids are thriving. And yet, sometimes it is good to have that confirmed.

Nate was our first child. He is now 11 years old, and is our second oldest (we adopted Mercy, who is a year older than Nate, when they were eight and nine years old). Nathan is literally almost always happy. He is always busy, busy and the boy never stops talking, but it is really hard to bring him down. He is super sensitive though and extremely tender hearted. He is always one of the most excited kids when we announce a new addition on the way.

This morning as the kids were getting ready for school, I was in the kitchen cleaning up the breakfast dishes and Nate was the first one ready to go as usual. He was in the living room looking out the window and I heard him say to himself (he really is always talking), “I just love my life. I really have a great life. I have wonderful parents that love me. I have really cool brothers and sisters. Soon I am going to have an adorable new baby brother. I love my house. I have a fun teacher and awesome friends. There are only 15 days left until Christmas. I love my life. It’s going to be a great day.”

How many of us wake up with such a great attitude at 6:30 on a Monday morning??

It was a wonderful start to my morning and my week, to hear my first child reaffirm what I know in my heart to be true. We really do have a great life.

* Picture from Erin Henderson

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