That I totally lost my cool!

This blog may be titled "Loving Rant" but I am sorry to say I ranted not so lovingly yesterday to my precious grandchildren. I really lost it with them over their behavior. However, I think my behavior was worse! After all I am the adult. Maybe it was the rain, or the lasting effects of that beautiful super moon last week, or perhaps the influence of Gru (We had just been to see Despicable Me 2).

Regardless, I have added another rule to my grandmother play book. The rule: Never raise your voice to children. Why? They deserve to be treated with respect so they learn to respect others. We need to model the behaviors that are acceptable, and I don't know about you, but I don't want a 7, 9, or 10 year old raising his or her voice to me. It's important to never loose control when you are responsible for children. And, last but not least, it makes one appear deranged to be screaming at children.

Generally, when the children misbehave badly, it's because they are tired or hungry. Lew, Sophi, and Carter along with my two sweet, beautiful nieces Lauren and Sarah have been with us for the past week. Bedtime and just before are frenetic. It sometimes feels like I am at the zoo trying to corral the animals. However, morning brings about a wonderful transition. Monsters go to bed and wake up as sleepy-eyed, cuddly angels!

Along with this public apology, I want to give my incredibly smart, beautiful grandchildren some things to think about. If I could write the script for your life, I would have you become the kind of person who . . .

• acts with integrity, always in all situations. That means do the right thing and do it right. Always.
• is always kind to others. The golden rule says this one best--treat others the way you want and should be treated.
• always tells the truth. I heard this once and it made so much sense to me. "Always tell the truth, but don't always tell it." In other words, when you speak, always tell the truth, but also know when to keep quiet.
• acts responsibly (which includes carrying out your responsibilities and accepting responsibility for your actions).
• is respectful of others-- that includes but is not limited to adults, people who are different from you, those who are less fortunate than you, those who sacrifice and give so that you are free and protected, those who choose professions that help you grow and develop.
• makes the world a better place. That might mean that you simply brighten someone's day by being kind. Or help save the earth by conserving water or recycling. It may also mean that you impact lives by discovering a cure for cancer or the common cold. Wherever you are and whomever you are near, do whatever you can to make things better.

Lew, Sophi, and Carter, I love you all so much. Please forgive me for yelling (screaming in the car on the side of the road is a more accurate description) at you. That was not an appropriate way to establish my expectations of your behavior. I think we all have room for improvement!