Raise Them Right.

I don't care what people say, the way you raise your children does impact the men and women they become in SO many ways. They see, they hear and they act. Though everyone grows up to make their own decisions, we shape these children.

I knew I'd love being a step mom to boys with the amount of time I had spent with my nephew since the day he was born, but I never knew what to expect as they grew older being "the step mom." The amount of love and respect these boys have shown me since day one is a true reflection of the incredible parents (and other family that surround them) whom have taught them, from a young age, to show appreciation and respect to everyone around them. The kids that don't throw clothes to the side at Christmas because it's not the toy they asked for, but instead genuinely appreciate them because they understand the true value of "things" and life.

Having a partner who treats me as an equal in our relationship with the children has definitely impacted the way they see and respect me, but I think even more so, having a positive co-parenting dynamic with their mom shows the love and maturity we all have for one another. I am so lucky to be such a big part of these boys lives, but I feel even luckier to be doing this with their parents. We are all family, we love, respect, support and appreciate one another. At the end of the day, this is about the (not so little anymore) people we are all raising together. (Holding the tears of 6 years watching a 4 & 8 year old grow into a 10 & almost 14 year old that I'm not prepared to be taller than me, but we are less than an inch away).

Co-parents, set your differences aside, I know not everyone is lucky enough to have this dynamic, but life is what you make it. If you're the one making your family dynamic difficult, step back and see the impact you're having on your children. Having children is a huge decision, but maintaining the relationships they need to see growing up is even bigger. These kids didn't make these decisions and they shouldn't have to suffer unnecessary consequences either. No, it hasn't been sunshine and rainbows from the start, but it shouldn't be expected to have been either. We live, we learn, we grow.

*Pictures of the flowers Alex picked and placed in water for me two days ago "just because he loves me" and the flower pot & flower Nico made and gave to me yesterday because "he knew I would love it and he wanted to make my day." Raise them right folks.