At the End of the Day - What Do We Really Want Our Kids to Remember?

[Angela Nettuno]

I haven't posted in awhile, but am in a reflecting kind of mood AND hubby's glued to the football game, so here goes...

Several things lately have made me think, reflect...  Maybe it's my age, maybe it's that my oldest is a Senior, or maybe it's just God's way of making me slow down and "smell the roses" so to speak.

My daughter, now 18, has struggled with some pretty serious learning disabilities in her life.  I have yet to tell our story (book in the works) but after a very long journey she's doing better than I ever imagined possible!  As a result of the challenges she has had to overcome, she appreciates life more that the average person.  She sees the beauty in so many things, appreciates sunsets, brownies, people, God!  She's an inspiration to us all!I remember the hurt over the years of feeling like people were judging her or our parenting.  They just didn't understand.  But how could I blame them, I often didn't understand myself?  I have learned so much on this amazing journey with my daughter, primarily that you never know what someone's journey is or has been, so try not to judge...

"We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today."  ---Stacia Tauscher

I love this quote because it's a great reminder...  Sadly it makes me think about parents who push and push their children to their breaking point.

Of course it's good to encourage children to be the best they can be...

...and it's good to provide therapies, tutors, etc. for struggling kids...

But what's most important is that we foster their strengths and their self-esteems!

...Because at the end of the day who is ever going to ask whether they got a "B" or a "C" in freshman Biology, whether they were in the IB program in high school, or what their GPA was in college?  No one, that's who!

What's important is that we raise confident, respectful kids, with great values!

And what do we really want them to remember from their childhoods after all?  Do we want them to remember how we pushed them for every last point on every exam OR do we want them to remember the unconditional love that surrounded them in their home?  The feeling that they CAN do this, the positive reinforcement and support from a loving family!

This holiday season I truly wish for all parents to enjoy their parenting journey and try not to "sweat the small stuff" because every child is truly a "gift from God."  Happy parenting.  Enjoy the journey...

---Angela

*Angela is a former teacher and social worker/ educational consultant and president/founder of Bear Hugs and Butterfly Kisses.  On her site (www.bhbktoys.com) she shares inspirational parenting tips and ideas, information about typical and atypical child development, and recommendations for developmentally appropriate toys and learning materials.

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