Three Lessons I Want My Child to Learn From Me
1. Be Good to Your Word
Say what you mean and mean what you say. If you tell someone you're going to do something, do it. My mom once told me she's stop doing something and then, as is typical, continued doing it. When called out on that, she responded with, "I never said 'I promise.'" I am happy to say that my five-year-old son already understands the importance of this lesson more than my mom ever will. As a result, I trust what he says and others will as he continues on in life.2. People Aren't Mind-Readers
If you want someone to know something, tell them directly and explicitly. Conversely, if you want to know something, ask directly and clearly. Never assume either of you know what the other is thinking or feeling.
3. You're Not Perfect
You're not perfect, you're never going to be perfect, but that shouldn't stop you from trying whatever it is you want to do. This is something he hears me talk to his dad about regularly, as he simply doesn't try anything if he thinks he won't be perfect at it the first time, thus he doesn't try much that is new. It's a cryin' shame. I see this tendency in my son, as well, so we've been working on it extra. In tennis, he doesn't stop when he misses or doesn't get it over the net. He simply makes a quick face of disappointment and moves along. In pottery, he doesn't quit when he collapses the pot. He simply fixes it and continues on. The lesson is getting through. He's an imperfect wonder and I absolutely adore him for it.
What lessons do you want your children to learn from YOU?
