Before my son was born, I started writing letters to him.
Because…there is so much you want to tell your child about the world.
You fear that time will fly and you will forget to tell him about the things that truly matter in life….everything you deem important.
Things like….it’s POP, not SODA.
Or…when mom says no, don’t ask dad.
I mean, they need to know these things!
Okay, fine….all jokes aside, the more I think about what I hope to instill
in my child, I’ve come to the realization that…
in my child, I’ve come to the realization that…
Sometimes, as adults, we make things too complicated.
We try too hard…AND…we put too much pressure on ourselves.
We want to leave a noteworthy legacy that our children will cherish.
We want to pass down everything we know…doling out advice in such depth that we do not allow enough time for them to make their own discoveries. When I think of everything I hope to teach my child, big or small….it usually sounds something like the first letter I wrote in THIS POST. Yes, I put my heart into it. There is a lot that I want him to learn from the example I personally set. Were my words genuine and did they come from a good place? Without a doubt.
I hope someday he will appreciate the sentiments.
BUT what I really wish for him is to go explore and try to make sense of this thing we call life….interpreting and finding meaning in ways I simply do not.
Rather than constantly showing him what I’ve learned, telling him all that I’ve experienced, or coaching him along the way, I’d rather he learn from his mistakes while figuring out….
how to treat people,
what’s worth fighting for,
ways to show his appreciation,
when to dive in,
or when to take a step back and take it all in.
You see….it doesn’t always need to come from us. We don’t give kids enough credit. They are curious about the world and yearn to know more about it. They are constantly trying to soak up their surroundings and seek answers. If you let them, they will unravel truths of life….in ways we make too complex. Kids see the world and assess life in ways we can’t.
They eliminate the nitty gritty and get to the core.
They appreciate the ordinary,
while we are seeking the extraordinary.
I think we should rely more on kids to convey what truly matters in life.
Ask them to share their thoughts, opinions, and ideas….rather than imparting your own words of wisdom on them. It is critical to strike a balance.
I need to provide opportunities for my child to share his outlook.
I need to provide opportunities for my child to share his outlook.
As a teacher, I always said that my students taught me FAR more about life than I ever taught them. They have a special way of doing so. As you can see by the quote below…..kids keep us grounded.
It’s the truth, honestly.
I taught them about pragmatics….keeping their feet on the ground.
They taught me about life….showing me what it’s like to fly.
Some of us may think kids (like the one below) are overly optimistic.
Maybe even a tad idealistic,
Living in a utopian world,
Wearing rose colored glasses.
I think the world needs a little more of this kind of perspective.
To my son…..I can’t wait to hear all about the tips you will share along the way….truths of life that I need to hold dear.
I know you will help me to remember these important tips:
I know you will help me to remember these important tips:
1. There are plenty of reasons to dance.
You’ve just got to look for them.
2. Just treat everyone like it’s their birthday…
even if they don’t deserve it.
3. Take brain pictures…because amazing things
will happen everday.
4. It’s not about what you do, it’s about who you are.
5. You are made from love, to be loved, to spread love.
6. Don’t get too busy…remember to let everyone know
that you’re glad they are here.
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