As a new parent, I’ve found myself bending the truth when it comes to my son’s expectations. For instance, I might promise him ice cream tomorrow, knowing full well that when the day arrives, I might conveniently forget to offer it. It’s not that I want to deceive him; it’s simply a way to avoid spoiling his dinner. By the time he remembers, we’ve already passed the ice cream shop, and he ends up with a nutritious meal instead. A small fib for the greater good, right?
Then there are those moments when bedtime rolls around, and I declare that if he doesn’t fall asleep in 10 minutes, I’ll leave him to sleep alone. The truth is, I am not going anywhere until he’s asleep—his comfort is paramount. This little scare tactic usually convinces him to surrender to sleep, allowing me some time to complete my nighttime chores. It’s a parenting tactic driven by necessity, and I have no regrets about it.
Of course, I’ve also indulged in the classic tales of Santa and the Tooth Fairy, and I’ll likely continue these traditions for years to come. But there’s one phrase I refuse to utter: “You can be anything you want to be.”
While this expression is often delivered with heartfelt intentions, it can inadvertently limit rather than inspire. I certainly believe in my son’s potential, and as his mother, I’ll always champion his dreams. However, the reality is that there are boundaries to what he can achieve.
Not everyone possesses the skills or attributes required for every ambition. Some may not have the steadiness required to be a surgeon, while others might lack the patience to teach. There are physical limitations—like height for certain careers—that come into play. This is simply the nature of life.
What I will encourage him to do is to explore his interests. If he wants to join the school spelling bee, even if he struggles with the basics, I’ll support him wholeheartedly. If he’s interested in band or choir, I’ll cheer him on, regardless of whether he’s out of tune. And if he wants to try his hand at various sports, from football to tennis, I’ll be there every step of the way, even if his throwing arm isn’t exactly stellar.
I’m committed to helping him improve in whatever he chooses to pursue, as long as he’s willing to keep trying. He can aim for the baseball team every year, but if it turns out he simply doesn’t have the physical capabilities to pitch, that’s perfectly fine. I want him to understand that some dreams may exceed his limits, and that doesn’t equate to failure. It means he’s human.
Right now, my son is a toddler, and I have no idea what his future strengths will be or what dreams he’ll hold dear. Will he thrive in the spotlight or prefer the quiet? Will he excel academically or athletically? I don’t know. But what I do know is that I won’t mislead him. If a dream is unattainable due to his inherent traits, I will gently guide him toward understanding that reality.
Because I’m his mom, and honesty is my duty.
For more insights into parenting and dreams, check out this post on Cervical Insemination. If you’re considering at-home insemination, Cryobaby offers reputable syringe kits to help with your journey. Additionally, Rmany is an excellent resource for all things related to pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, while I’ll always support my son’s aspirations, I believe it’s crucial to impart the understanding that limitations exist. It’s not about squashing his dreams; it’s about nurturing realistic expectations and helping him find the paths where he can truly shine.
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