From editorial director of news Kate Shellnutt: Each year, my son comes home from school around Mother’s Day with an "All About My Mom" worksheet where he has filled in the blanks with my "favorite" things. It’s sweet and silly when you have little kids trying to guess mom’s age (last year I landed at 57) and hobbies (playing Uno?).
 
It’s also the rare case when you get to hear someone’s honest perception of you. At that age, kids don’t remember or care if you have told them your likes and dislikes. If asked, they only know to answer with what they have observed. The year I got a Peloton, he was three and told his teachers my job was to "work out." Last year, I felt like all my challenging parenting moments had paid off when he said I was good at "staying calm."
 
When I get overwhelmed with the spiritual weight and responsibility of raising a kid—whether I’m doing enough or doing it right—it helps to orient myself back to his perspective. What does he see me doing? What are the things that I do or I talk about the most? And is God a big enough part of this day-to-day that even a six-year-old can recognize him as a priority in my life?
 
We’ll see how I come across on this year’s worksheet. I know he still can’t tell you what my job is other than it’s on a laptop … but hopefully he’ll get it soon.