Meet a Gazette Mom: Beth Hayes-Jackson
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Age: 53
Location: Emporia.
Occupation: The Emporia Gazette distribution department
Family members: Husband, James Michael (Mike), 55; Shae, 33; Kevin, 32; Erica, 26.
The thing I miss most about having my kids at home: The way they would interact, joke, laugh and tease one another. I also miss the way they would rally together and help each other out — and they still do that today.
I’m most proud of my grown children for: All that they’ve become. I’m proud of each one for who they’ve become as individuals. They are all independent and have, or are, getting their master’s degrees in college.
The biggest difference I see in how kids are being raised today compared to when I was raising mine is: We had discipline in our household. From when they where little they knew what “no” meant.
The one thing I wish I had known about parenting before I became a parent: Once a parent always a parent. Just because they grow up and leave home doesn’t mean the parenting stops. I’m finding that parenting adults is more about guidance and advice and not all about discipline.
The most important life lesson I wanted my children to learn before leaving home: To be kind to everyone and never to pre-judge someone.
The thing about my younger self that I’d like to reclaim: The innocence of the time I grew up in. Kids today know too much and grow up too fast.
If I could change places with anyone, living or dead, it would be: My mother, she was everything to me. She was everybody’s mom — even our friends who would come home from school with us. I still miss her.
I hope my kids inherit: My youthful outlook on life. I want to be riding the roller coasters when I’m 70. I hope they do, too. You’re as young as you want to be.
When I have 30 minutes to myself: I read my People magazine.
My best money-saving tip: I save spare change throughout the year to put toward Christmas presents. This year to date, I’ve saved $78 in nickels and dimes.
One of my favorite family traditions is: Our family’s “for the heck of it party.” In June, we have a family get together — just for the heck of it. It’s nobody’s birthday, it’s not a holiday, it’s just a party to get the family together.
My guiltiest pleasure is: When my husband and I go shopping, I will sneak a Hershey bar with almonds into the cart.
I realized I turned into my mother when: My mom never played favorites. We all were treated equally. I feel I do the same thing for all my family.
The best thing money can’t buy is: When all of my family is together. Money can’t touch that.
If I had an “I’d rather be...” bumper sticker on my car, it would say: “Headed to Jensen Beach, Fla.” The normal attire for the day is shorts and T-shirt, and the ocean is the backyard.
My best advice for parents raising their children today: “No” is an answer. Discipline is needed. You need to remember that your children are your children and parenting comes first, then the friendship with them.
To nominate a mother for Meet A Gazette Mom, please contact Ashley Walker at ashley@ emporiagazette.com.