Note to self: I am a ‘Type B’ parent and I just have to accept it!
I’m the mum in the park swinging her child for “only five minutes more” since forty-five minutes.
The one who occasionally allows a chocolate before breakfast.
The one who is extremely flexible about bedtime on weekends.
The one who feels bad when her children have tons of homework and very often ends up doing it for them.
I’m basically the average mum you will find with her children in any park, aquarium or zoo enjoying ourselves as we float through the world like it’s our own fairy tale.
Everyone isn’t born to be a Type A personality. And there is no surefire method to achieve success, happiness or contentment in life.
So I thought hard of all the things that do matter to me….the ones that I find myself repeating to them often, especially when I find my children struggling to cope with a situation.
And I came up with my list of do’s and don’ts that I consciously and constantly try to teach my children….(and that made me realize that hopefully they will turn out just fine because when it comes to imparting life’s little lessons, it turns out, I am a ‘Type A’ parent, after all)!
To my children,
(Ages 8 & 5)
5) It is your job to go to school. You don’t necessary need to excel but eventually, you will need most of what you’ve learnt in school to converse with others.
6) Find that one thing that you most enjoy doing…
Hint: it’s that effortless thing you do when you have nothing else to-do….the one that you goto, in order to relax and unwind. That is your form of meditation. Follow that dream, pursue it as a passion….do what you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.
7) Life isn’t always fair. Should things not go as planned don’t wallow in self pity or embarrassment. Move on to project next.
8) Add as many experiences to your life as possible and legal. Don’t let the fear of failure stop you from trying something new.
9) Failing is not a sign of weakness. Sometimes it’s smart to quit while you’re ahead. Trust your instincts.
10) Losing isn’t a good feeling…but you just have to get used to it. Your dad and I are always, always there for you.
11) Success and winning cause a giddy high. Make sure you don’t let it get to your head! I will only truly take pride in your success depending on how well you handle it and treat those around you.
12) Recognize the thin line between self-confidence and arrogance and never cross it.
13) People may be important, popular or good. But that does not necessarily make them good for you! If you feel drained out of your joy by being around someone, keep safe distance.
14) You have a responsibility towards your family, especially your siblings. Always stand by them in public…correct them in private.
15) Show utmost respect to people older than you, always.
16) Greet everyone in a room when you enter and exit.
17) It’s ok to lie when it avoids hurting someone’s feelings, like when you have to tell an aunt that her “cake was delicious, but no, thank you I’m too full to have any more.”
18) Some people have special needs, they are different from you. Be nice to them, do not stare….treat them with warmth.
19) When you’re in a group, never alienate or single out anyone.
20) Try not to start a fight. But if someone else does, give it back however you can.
21) If you believe in a cause, stand up for it. If you’re not happy with the way things are, try to be the change, even if it’s in your own small way.
22) There are over a billion interesting people on this planet. There’s no reason to give any one person the power to break your heart. Meet new people, make new friends!
23) Travel the world. It’s the best education.
24) Read! It’s the quickest, easiest and surest way to escape into another world.
25) No littering.
26) Have empathy and sympathy for everyone. Put yourself in their shoes. In life, roles can reverse at anytime.
27) Learn to choose clothes that match, dress appropriately and take pride in your appearance.
28) Learn to enjoy your own company and you will never be bored.
29) A good sense of humor is a blessing. If the voice in your head is witty, it helps get through life’s mundane days. Learn to laugh….whether it’s at yourself or with!
30) Comparing yourselves to others is a curse. Break that habit. You cannot possess things just because others do. And you only need to compete with and better your own self.
31) Learn the art of ignoring people who get on your nerves, politely.
32) Develop the art of speaking your mind, politely.
33) Stay cool and calm in crunch situations. Panicking in emergencies won’t help you in anyway. First….breathe, step 2…think
34)Don’t tell your parents”….the minute someone says that to you, it means you absolutely must!!!
#parenting #motherhood #children #lifeslessons #lifegoals #humanity #lifeslessonsfrommyfather #thingsiwantmychildrentoknow
Sunset Effect - Nitya Satyani 