Rylie Jasmine and her family recently went out to eat at their favorite pizza place, where they not only enjoyed their meal but also received unexpected encouragement. The experience taught Mrs. Jasmine a valuable lesson while earning her family praises along the way.
Originally from California, Mrs. Jasmine had to relocate to Arizona with her family due to her husband’s civil engineering job. At 28 years old, she works in the field of social media and connects with other mothers for support while personally homeschooling her four children. Their unconventional family lifestyle also includes setting limits on screen time for the kids, a decision she believes has brought numerous benefits despite the challenges.
Mrs. Jasmine noted that sometimes her children may be louder than their peers who use electronic devices in public settings. However, she and her husband view this as an opportunity for the kids to learn and improve social skills through interaction with others.
During a recent visit to their favorite pizza place, a heartwarming encounter took place that left a lasting impact on the Jasmine family.
“As we entered the restaurant, it was bustling,” Mrs. Jasmine shared with Epoch Times. “We found a table and sat down, engaging in conversation with our kids. What stood out was that we were all talking together as a family, without the distraction of iPads or similar devices.”
About 30 minutes into their wait for food, an elderly couple who were leaving approached their table to greet them. The interaction with the elderly couple not only uplifted Mrs. Jasmine but also brought encouragement to the whole family.
“They said, ‘We just wanted to tell you that you’re doing a great job,'” Mrs. Jasmine recalled. “Then they told my kids, ‘You’re the most well-behaved children we’ve ever seen.’ I’m not sure if they truly thought that, but the fact that they took the time to praise my children made them very happy.”
For Mrs. Jasmine, this acknowledgment was significant as a mother who has taken her children to places where they may have not felt as welcome.
“For my kids, being recognized and praised felt so sweet, and it was a great encouragement for them,” she said.
As the pizzas were served, the compliments from the kind elderly couple brought immense joy to the entire family.
After finishing their meal, Mrs. Jasmine went to pay the bill. The female server informed her, “Remember the couple who chatted with you? They’ve already paid for your meal.”
Mrs. Jasmine and her family were amazed that the couple had even covered the tip, showing exceptional generosity. She expressed her gratitude for their kindness and generosity.
Mrs. Jasmine shared the experience on her Instagram account, stating that the interaction had caused a shift in some of her perspectives.
In an interview with Epoch Times, she said, “We often worry about being accepted, but their praise not only made me feel welcomed, but also encouraged me as a mother to continue nurturing my children with love and spending more quality time with them. Such wonderful moments can happen more frequently.”
Reflecting on the experience, Mrs. Jasmine highlighted two valuable lessons she learned as a parent:
Firstly, “Do not be afraid to take your children to different places.”
Secondly, “If you encounter a family, especially a mother with children, saying a kind word can be a pleasant surprise for the kids. It is a huge encouragement for her and can make her day completely different.”