Updated: Aug. 21, 2023
Originally Published: June 4, 2023
As a parent, I’ve come to realize that lying to my kids is sometimes part of the gig. It’s one of those parenting paradoxes where you have to navigate the tricky waters of honesty and imagination. We teach our children the importance of truthfulness, yet there are moments when a little fib can spark joy or provide comfort. This juggling act gets even more complicated as they grow and start to question the difference between a harmless fib and a more serious untruth. I know one day I’ll have to explain the wonders of Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny to my son, all to keep the magic alive and encourage his creativity. While I understand these are white lies, I believe they serve a greater purpose in nurturing his spirit. I aspire to be an honest parent, but I also recognize that there will be instances when I’ll need to stretch the truth—sometimes to shield him, other times to inspire hope, and often because I’m trying to convince myself too.
1. Everything will turn out fine.
Ah, the classic reassurance! However, the reality is that sometimes things won’t be okay—not immediately, or maybe not even for a while. Life has its own timeline for healing, and there will be moments when you feel heartbroken or defeated. You may hear well-meaning advice telling you to hang in there, but just know that it’s okay if you don’t feel okay for a bit. Eventually, you’ll wake up one day and realize you’re starting to feel better, but it may take time.
2. There’s nothing to fear.
Let’s be real—there are plenty of things to be scared of! I still get nervous about the dark and worry about random things that could happen. I fear not being a good mom or letting you down. I’m scared for you too, my little one, because the world can be daunting. But here’s the kicker: it’s normal to be afraid. Just don’t let those fears hold you back from living life to the fullest or being your true self.
3. Good things happen to good people.
Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. You can be the kindest person in the world and still face hardships, like illness or job loss. Life can throw curveballs, and sometimes it just plain stinks. Embrace those tough moments; they won’t last forever, and amidst the chaos, try to find the little joys that remind you why life is beautiful.
4. You can achieve any dream you set your mind to.
If only it were that simple! While some people seem to breeze through life achieving their dreams, for a lot of us, it’s a grind. Talent, hard work, and determination are essential, but even that may not be enough. I once thought a bright smile and a passion for dance would land me a spot on Broadway, but reality had other plans. Understand that success often requires resilience, and don’t let setbacks deter you from pursuing your passions.
5. Love is all you need.
It’s a lovely thought, but love alone won’t pay the bills or keep you safe. While love is vital for a fulfilling life, it’s not the only ingredient. You’ll need food, shelter, and security too. So while loving yourself and others is crucial, don’t fall into the trap of thinking love is the singular solution to all of life’s challenges.
I don’t want my child to grow up too cynical before experiencing the ups and downs of life. I share these truths to instill confidence and resilience in him. I’ll offer these words with warmth, hoping he grows into a brave, optimistic individual ready to take on the world. And rest assured, I’ll leave out the fine print—I’m no dream-crusher!
If you’re looking for more information on home insemination, check out this resource on intracervical insemination. For those interested in exploring the idea of self-insemination, Make A Mom provides a comprehensive at-home insemination kit. Also, March of Dimes is an excellent resource for pregnancy-related information.
Summary
Parenting often involves a delicate balance of truth and imagination. While it’s essential to prepare children for the realities of life, there are moments when a little white lie can provide comfort and inspiration. By sharing these five truths, we can help our kids navigate the complexities of life with hope and resilience.