A Letter to a Fellow Mother
I recognize the work you’re doing.
To the mother I passed leaving the restaurant,
You’re doing an amazing job!
I was leaving the restaurant as you and your son walked in. Your son opened the door for you and as he was about to walk in, he noticed my friend and me approaching so he backed up, still holding the door, and allowed us to walk out first. I said thank you and how thoughtful he was for doing that but I should have gone back in to tell you how amazing you’re doing — raising him to be kind, courteous, and a gentleman.
My son is about to turn two. I don’t know what I am doing. All I know is, I hope he has manners as your son does. Your son respected my friend and me even though he didn’t have to. He must be in junior high because I noticed the school shirt. Junior high is a hard time for most and I am grateful he took the time to be a gentleman because, sadly, when I was that age, kind boys were few and far between.
Lately, I’ve seen social media posts about teaching your daughters to recognize and be strong enough to leave relationships with abusive men (both physical and emotional abuse). However, you’re part of the movement of teaching your son to not have those tendencies in the first place.
Raising a child is hard work and society can be critical of everything you do, especially as a mother. My ultimate goal is to raise my son to be the kind of man I would want my future son-in-law to be like. I want my daughter to be aware that she is worthy of someone that will treat her with respect. However, respect and care start at home.
Although I had a very short interaction with your son, I admire what you’re doing as a mother. Keep doing what you’re doing because it’s working.
Sincerely,
A grateful stranger and fellow mother
