A while back, I wrote a post on being the perfect parent. Becoming a father again recently, parenthood is something that has been on my mind. I didn’t think anything of it at the time but I received great reviews for the post. If you read it, I thank you. If not, I basically explained that there is no such thing as the “perfect parent”. We’re all human and we’re all going to make mistakes in life. That includes being a parent.
I then, went on to say that in order to be a good parent, you just need to give your children attention and guidance. That’s all that matters to them. However, it does go deeper than that. Many parents today have the mentality of giving their children the things they never had when they were kids. Not me. I now understand it’s about teaching your children what you didn’t know when you were a kid. I just want to share with you a few things I’m going to teach my children and I hope you do too.
“Never Stop Learning”
It’s a shame that we live in the age of information but hardly anyone uses it. There is so much to learn in this world for us to harbor. More of them would rather try and get their fifteen minutes of fame than learn a new skill. I try to keep true the old saying, “you learn something new every day”. When we’re learning, we’re growing as people and if we’re not growing, we’re dying. If I can’t teach them something myself, I plan on learning something new together with them.
Henry Ford said, “Anyone who stops learning is old.” When we’re educating ourselves, it’s said that our brains grow in size. Learning helps us have great mental health and stay youthful. Who doesn’t want to stay young? This is a great way to do it.
“Respect Others”
Many believe that respect should be earned. That you have to get respect before you give it. I don’t believe that. I’m more along the lines of “innocent until proven guilty”. And even if they are guilty, you still respect them. We ought to respect people no matter what and follow the words of Jesus; “love your neighbor as yourself”. When we’re respectful to others, they are usually respectful to us. This is how relationships are formed.
“Life Isn’t Fair”
I think of myself as an optimistic person. I hope for the best and look for the good in any scenario life throws at me. This is what I teach others as well. It only leads to a healthier life. I also know that this isn’t always the case and tend to think of myself as more of a realist. There are good things that happen and bad things that happen. Such is life.
There is always going to be someone smarter than you. Just keep on learning. There is always going to be someone that is faster than you. Keep on running. There will be times when people get things that maybe you wanted. Be patient and keep on striving. This is the way the world works but it shouldn’t stop you from being you. It was probably a good thing you didn’t get what you wanted at that moment because you can’t always get what you want anyway. Maybe you were just looking in the wrong direction. Just keep a positive attitude and something will come your way. There’s a reason they say, “good things come to those who wait”.
These are just some of the things I hope to teach my children as they go through life. No matter what though, when we’re in God’s hands, we have hope for a better day. There is still good in this fallen world of ours. If you don’t see it, be it.
Kommentarer