What family means

Speaking of family, a week or so ago Rachel came into our bedroom with a long face -- Drew had left for work -- and said that her iPad license would be taken away from her because she forgot to plug in her iPad before she left for school that morning (the iPads, new for all 2nd-graders this year, stay at school but the kids do a lot of their classwork on them).

"I'm sure Ms. Burke wouldn't do that," I said, but she seemed unconvinced.

So, I told her that I'd throw on some clothes, we would race through breakfast and we'd get her to school in time to plug in her iPad. As we were walking down the stairs she said, "It's okay, Mom, you don't have to rush." I told her it was fine, and she kept protesting, until I turned around, looked her in the eye and said: "Rachel. We're a family, and families help each other out when we're in trouble. This is one of those times."

I will never forget the look of relief that crossed her face. She put her arms around me and said, "Thanks, Mom. You're the best."

She calculated that if we got to school about 20 minutes early, she could plug her iPad in just enough to juice up the battery to last her through the rest of the day. We made it in early, and she was fine.

I wouldn't have done that or said that if she was normally a careless kid. But Rachel is so responsible that I wanted her to know that I acknowledged that by going the extra mile to help her out when she needed it. So that way, she won't feel terrible if she screws up when she's older and feels as if she doesn't have backup from Mom and Dad. And anytime I can reinforce that family members help each other in times of trouble, illness, etc., I'll take that opportunity.