Practice What You Preach

Last week my son verbally began his wish and need list. “Mom I really wish I had a snowboard, new iPod, my own video camera and a dirt bike. I need a softer mattress…hey can we get another dog?” I began the lecture of need vs. want when a bulldozer and five construction workers across the street caught my eye. Seeing the curiosity, my son joined me at the window and began to explain the neighbors are having a “sweet” in-ground heated pool installed with a six foot slide.

“Really…” I said with one eyebrow raised.

How can the neighbors afford such luxury and we can’t? And there they were, the perfect little couple holding a cup of coffee embracing each other watching their new addition come together. Well isn’t that cute. Thoughts took over my mind and I began to ponder. Why is her husband so laid back about an expense such as a pool and mine was not? My husband gives me the stink eye when I have mulch delivered. A five year old temper tantrum was brewing in my adult mind. It’s not fair I want a pool too!

Taking mental control I gave a “humph” and walked away from the window to continue preaching to my son; “the mattress may be a valid need however another dog is not.”

I was determined to let it go with a silent “who cares about a dumb pool” but the idea ran in my mind all night. They even have a concrete pad in the back yard for the kids to play basketball and our hoop is traditionally hung from the garage. It is not fair. They have modest jobs like we do – how can they afford this? It wasn’t until I stood in front of the kitchen window after dinner did the topic become knowledge to my husband. There I was…a grown adult scrubbing dishes feverously, staring at the construction as I explained and described the neighbor’s newest purchase. Seeing my envious reaction, the picking began. “Hey Mom, maybe if you bake them an apple pie she’ll let you float in her pool on a hot day.” “Ha-Ha, yes Liv, and maybe she’ll let you swim with her if you offer to split their electric bill when they heat it!” “Better yet Mom, we’ll just get you an inflatable, put on your sunglasses and fill the bath tub with cold water in August.”

So there I was…a grown adult wanting vs. needing and my own child caught me on it.

I try to teach my children simple concepts from old tales:
The grass is not always greener on the other side.
Be careful what you wish for.
Be happy with and grateful for what you have.
Bla. Bla. Bla.

At the end of the day, giving an example is easy; setting an example is a whole different concept. By the way, and immaturely, I found peace knowing the neighbors were in debt for the next ten years.