Thoughts for Parents

I want to share a few thoughts for parents, not just for everyone else but for me to remember as well.

Never try to be the perfect parent, it just isn’t possible. Forgive yourself for the mistakes you are always going to make. Own up to those mistakes as well. This is not just to make you feel better. There is a very important lesson to be taught to our children about how no one is perfect. It will serve them well in life to understand that we all make mistakes, it’s what we do afterwards that really counts. Let them learn to forgive themselves as well, to learn from mistakes, to be honest in admitting them, to apologize when necessary and to try again or make amends as the case may be.

Take time to watch your children sleeping. I believe it does your soul much good. A sleeping child’s face is full of peace and hope and honesty - things that sometimes aren’t easily found in everyday life. And no matter how old they get, their sleeping face will always hold a hint of the infants they once were. That’s precious; hold on to it.

Watch the little ones closely as they play and explore the world. There is a great lesson for us as adults here. They help us remember the wonder and the joy and show us how to find new ways of looking at things without the filters and blinders we learn to apply as adults. It is healthy for us and shows us how to keep growing and learning. And as they grow themselves and become teens and young adults, it gives us the means to pass the lesson back to them.

And finally, on a lighter note, anytime your toddler comes to you and says “Here Mommy,” always look quickly before you reach out your hand. Just in case.

February 17th, 2008 Posted by Tracy | The "Mom" Me | 3 comments