Sometimes, my older children drive me bonkers.
They frustrate me, they infuriate me and they really, really drive me me up the wall. You’d think parenting might get easier the older they get, but this isn’t always the case. Why do I get so upset with them? Because they tend to forget their own worth.
Apart from the fact that I love them wholly, completely, intensely, unwaveringly and unconditionally, I want them to know their own value – not in an arrogant, conceited kind of way – but so that they may have an understanding and appreciation of just what they are capable of.
I wish I could say that I sit and reason cooly, calmly and collectedly but I can’t. Patience isn’t my thing, and neither is a calm temperament. I blame my Mediterranean genes for that.
We parents seem to be treading a fine line between knowing when to be firm, when to be fair, when not to pander and when to give a much needed virtual boot in the seat of their pants. And sometimes you just need some straight talking.
So here are five things that I want my children to know, and the next time the situation calls for it, I shall direct them to this post:
1. The world owes you diddly-squat. If you want something, work for it and earn it. If you think you are not getting what you deserve, you’re not trying hard enough. Try something different. Try something more. Keep trying and never give up.
2. Your life is precious. Don’t waste it. Don’t make excuses. Be productive, be helpful, be happy. Live life. Nobody else can live your life for you.
3. Do good. You know you have the power to change lives for the better – you changed mine the day you were born. Keep up the good work and change other people’s lives too.
4. Never let anyone tell you that your dreams are impossible. Prove them wrong! Any dream is possible if you believe in it enough.
5. There is no shame in failing. You can fail at something and still hold your head high. It’s harder to hold your head high when you know that you didn’t even try.
There. I’ve said my piece. Now it’s over to you.
