One day I told my two daughters (ages 5 and 7) that after they each completed one page of homework that they could go swimming. They both hurriedly began their work with great motivation. After about 10 minutes, the 5 year old jumped up and while waving two pages of work up in the air said, "MOMMY! Now we can go swimming!" I looked at her, then glanced over at the 7 year old still working. Confused, I told the 5 year old that her sister was still working and that we'd have to wait for her. With a huge smile on her face, she replied, "NO, Mommy, we can go NOW because I did TWO pages, one for me and one for my sister!" While feeling very touched that she'd want to help her sister in that way, I replied, "Oh, honey, that is very kind of you but we each need to take care of our own responsibilities...so I'm sorry, but that does not count." She replied, "Well, the LOVE counts, right?" This makes me glad to be a mom. What a privilege to witness love between siblings in this way.

Suzy Martyn "Enjoying the Ride: Tools, Tips, and Inspiration for the Parenting Journey": Mom's Choice Awards Recipient http://www.mothersfriendsos.com