Parenting Skills

I was in the airport recently and there was a family of four behind me in the security line. The parents were about my age and the kids were twin girls that looked to be about 3. My first thought was, "Thank GOD they are not in front of me!" because, inevitably, I get stuck behind the family who is frustrated with kids who don't want to cooperate or the infrequent/elderly traveler who forgets to take his belt off and phone out of his pocket and has to walk through the security sensor several times. This is very frustrating for someone who travels a lot and has everything ready to go. I'm so glad airports are creating different lanes for different types of travelers, "Families", "Casual Travelers" and "Expert Travelers." It eliminates a lot of frustration for everyone! Anyway, I digress, I'm getting my things in order and I hear the mom talking to girls. This is what I hear, "Now we get to take our shoes off! Isn't this exciting that we get to take our shoes off inside the building? Isn't this fun?" And I noticed the girls play right along with smiles on their faces because it felt like a game. Then, while the parents loaded everything onto the belt including bags, coats, car seats, etc., the girls started to look around like they were going to wander off so the mom says, "Girls, You know how I love it when you give me hugs? Why don't you each give one of my legs a big hug!" And they did! Then to keep them there she says, "Wow! I feel so loved when you give me hugs like that! I love it!" So of course they kept hugging her. Their whole transition through security was seamless. I was so in awe of this woman's calm and creative attitude with her small children. Usually there is crying from the kids, frustration and yelling from the parents and the whole family looks miserable. I just so admired the way this family acted together. I hope I remember this woman's demeanor when I have kids and need patience. I love seeing things like that. Makes me happy!