"I want my kids to become the best originals they can be, not modeled after what I think they should be, or what others think they should be, but what they have been created to be."
Words of wisdom from a very wise but anonymous author.
As hard as it may be to do at times, as parents we must refrain from comparing our child to others - whether they are siblings, or classmates. Each child is an individual, and praising your child's accomplishments and talents is so important in encouraging your child to become his or her best.
My son was once on a little league baseball team, and the coach was the father or a mildly mentally retarded boy who was also on the team, though he was two years older than his teammates. He was their miracle child - after many miscarriages, his mother was able to carry this baby into the fifth month, when she suddenly went into labor. He was born in an ambulance enroute to the hospital, and spent months in the NICU. His parents were told he had less than a 30% chance of survival, yet he lived and grew into a happy, healthy boy though small for his age and with impaired intelligence.
When this boy hit his first single, his parents went wild. They were so completely thrilled with their son's achievement, and it was such a beautiful thing to watch! It didn't matter at all to them that other kids were hitting home runs; they never compared their son to others. It was a wonderful lesson for me as a young mother, and I have returned to that memory many times throughout my parenting years for inspiration.
No comments:
Post a Comment