They sit on the living room floor, crafting towering structures from colorful blocks, transforming them into fantastical creations. Moments later, they’re off to sketch treasure maps that lead to imaginary worlds hidden in every corner of their play space. One moment they’re building, the next they’re lost in their vibrant imaginations, concocting adventures that only they can share.
I often pause to watch them, feeling a rush of admiration for their creativity and the unexpected harmony that allows them to engage in play together for prolonged periods without bickering or tears. Just moments ago they were clamoring for snacks, and now they’re entirely absorbed in their own universe.
As they scribble in their notebook filled with doodles of our family, whimsical landscapes, and abstract shapes, I spot their names written in the charming, uneven script of a young child. It dawns on me—when did my little one develop the ability to form letters and express herself so beautifully?
Overcome with pride, I can’t help but say, “Hey kiddo, I’m so proud of you! You’re so brave, and you’ve worked so hard to learn all of this!” But then a nagging thought creeps in. Should I be saying this? Isn’t there a prevailing belief that we’re raising a generation of kids who are overvalued and overly protected? Aren’t we supposed to teach them the importance of hard work and the value of gradual achievement?
I grapple with the idea of expressing pride for something they haven’t “earned.” But I ultimately decide that my love and admiration for them don’t hinge on their accomplishments. I tell my kids they are beautiful just as they are. I celebrate their artistic expressions and affirm their potential. I want them to know they are capable of achieving anything they set their minds to, and I remind them of this regularly.
Of course, we balance this with lessons about effort, the importance of celebrating others, and the reality of hard work. We share stories of our own challenges and the effort that goes into our successes. Our family has its share of meltdowns and average moments—after all, they are just kids, and that’s perfectly fine.
Yet, I cherish this fleeting period when my voice carries more weight than the external influences they’ll face in the years to come. I take every opportunity to affirm their worth, their beauty, and their brilliance so that they can stand firm against any negativity that might arise from outside sources. The world will often send mixed messages, whether through social media, peers, or societal standards, but I want my children to be resilient and unwavering in their self-worth.
There’s a distinct difference between fostering a sense of superiority and instilling a deep sense of love and belonging. The years we have with our children are precious, and it’s essential to provide them with a strong foundation of support and encouragement. These are the years to empower them, to uplift them, and to prepare them to navigate the world with confidence.
When they eventually achieve what we always knew they could, we’ll be there to proudly say, “See, kiddo? I knew you could do it.” For more reflections on parenting and fostering self-esteem in children, check out this insightful blog post. And for those considering at-home insemination, Make a Mom offers reliable insemination syringe kits, while the WHO provides excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
In conclusion, my mission as a parent is to ensure my children know their value, beauty, and strength so they can confidently face the world ahead.
Leave a Reply