How to Prepare Your Children for the World

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After nearly 15 years of marriage, I’ve gathered quite a bit of insight into the distinct traits of my son and daughter (at least in our household). I wouldn’t know my way around a map if my life depended on it, while he struggles to locate the mayonnaise in the fridge. I excel at being right (more often than not), and so does he. My knowledge about car mechanics is nonexistent, and I couldn’t care less, whereas he’s only informed about sports trivia from the ‘80s, particularly the Tour de France. We find balance in our differences.

We have a son and a daughter, both observing us and learning from our parenting—hopefully retaining the good moments while overlooking our less-than-stellar ones. While we aim to treat them equally, certain life lessons cater to their unique needs as they navigate through our imperfect guidance.

For Our Son, We Will Teach Him…

  • To respect the toilet seat.
  • To embrace his true self, even if societal expectations suggest otherwise.
  • To consider his audience when sharing inappropriate jokes (we’re actively working on this).
  • How to wash and fold clothes properly.
  • That dessert is a must, even if his partner claims not to want any—chances are they might change their mind.
  • To avoid being the kind of guy who must always have the last word.
  • The art of finding things, regardless of their visibility.
  • To ask for, and obtain, consent before touching anyone.
  • How to uplift others.
  • The skills to converse with strangers over the phone.
  • The importance of holding doors open for everyone.
  • To compliment his partner’s appearance regularly.
  • To appreciate beauty in people, even when it’s not immediately evident.
  • To give more than he receives.
  • The secrets to making lasting friendships.
  • To fall in love deeply, even if it means facing challenges later.

For Our Daughter, We Will Ensure She Understands…

  • The effectiveness of a well-timed kick (to the right spot).
  • How to change a flat tire.
  • The best approach to asking someone out.
  • The significance of maintaining friendships.
  • How to get what she desires (you know what I mean).
  • To find beauty in herself, even when it’s not apparent.
  • To compliment her partner’s appearance regularly.
  • That there’s joy in solitude—traveling, dining, or going to the movies alone.
  • To never apologize for simply being a woman.
  • The value of listening more than speaking (we’re working on this).
  • To trust her intuition.
  • How to make her voice heard (I’m not overly concerned on this front).
  • That she has the right to give permission for physical contact.
  • The importance of consuming more vegetables rather than dieting indefinitely.
  • To be true to herself, regardless of societal pressures.
  • To experience love so intensely that it can be challenging to rise again.

Naturally, we intend to teach both children these lessons, understanding that our family dynamics may differ from others. I wish there were certain lessons we didn’t have to impart. For instance, I wish I could teach my daughter that she could walk home at night without fear. Unfortunately, that’s not the reality we live in. Likewise, I wish it were obvious to our son that asking for consent before touching someone’s body is imperative. As we continue this journey, we hope the world evolves along with our teachings.

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In summary, we strive to prepare our children for the world by teaching them essential life lessons while hoping for a future that allows them to navigate life with confidence and security.

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