Your Child’s Flaws Today May Be Assets Tomorrow

Parenting

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Updated: Aug. 12, 2023

Originally Published: Aug. 12, 2023

One of the biggest myths many parents cling to is the belief that their child is flawless. You’ve seen it before — your little one is an absolute angel, and they can do no wrong. They’re the most adorable baby on the planet, and you’re convinced they started walking and talking before all the other kids because they’re simply brilliant. Bow down to the greatest child ever!

However, maintaining this illusion becomes increasingly challenging as your child grows, and their little quirks and misbehaviors begin to surface. The notorious “terrible twos,” the “threenage” years, and the “eff-you fours” all highlight your child’s imperfections. But don’t worry — there are ways to navigate the reality of your child’s shortcomings while still holding onto the fantasy that they are a gift to humanity.

One strategy is to convince yourself that those pesky traits your precious little one exhibits at ages 3, 5, or 7 will ultimately serve them well as adults. Depending on their life path, you might actually be onto something. While we strive to raise kind, generous, and open-minded individuals, we all know that the world isn’t perfect; sometimes, the traits that seem undesirable now could actually benefit them later.

Consider a few examples of less-than-stellar behavior that might just become advantageous down the line:

• They refuse to accept “no” for an answer. Determination is a valuable quality that can help them tackle challenges and pursue success, no matter the obstacles in their way.
• They’re never satisfied with “yes.” My 5-year-old always wants more, and while this might seem ungrateful now, it could translate to ambition in adulthood. Greed is good!
• They talk nonstop. I’m not entirely sure how this will play out positively, but perhaps they’ll be great at filibustering in Congress someday.
• They do whatever they want because they “like it.” This kind of impulsive behavior may not be acceptable for most adults, but if they play their cards right, they might just secure a political nomination.
• They throw tantrums when things don’t go their way. Clearly, your child’s future lies in politics — count your blessings!
• They’re stubborn as a mule. Sometimes, when my 5-year-old doesn’t want to go somewhere or do something, he’ll go limp and need to be dragged. While I hate to continually relate this to politics, perhaps he’ll find a career as a hockey goalie instead.

In many ways, children and adults aren’t so different. The main distinction — aside from bills and responsibilities — is that adults have learned to manage their emotions, at least in public. We often share the same feelings as our kids and might even react similarly if it weren’t for the social constraints we’ve adopted over the years. But let’s be honest; many of us would still throw tantrums if it didn’t come with severe consequences.

So, don’t be too hard on your little rebel. Someday, those traits you find most frustrating may very well be the same ones that propel them into public office! For more on navigating parenthood and the complexities of raising children, check out this insightful post here. If you’re considering at-home insemination, look no further than Make a Mom for reliable insemination kits. Additionally, for information on fertility and insurance, UCSF’s resource is a great place to start.

In summary, while your child may seem to exemplify annoying behaviors now, these traits could evolve into valuable assets as they grow older. Embrace the chaos; it might just lead to greatness.