Updated: Aug. 21, 2023
Originally Published: June 4, 2023
As a parent, I’ve come to realize that sometimes, a little fib can go a long way. It’s one of those odd moments in parenting (because nothing about parenting is ever normal) where tough choices must be made (because parenting is usually a breeze). We aim to teach our children the importance of honesty while occasionally weaving a tale or two ourselves. And once they catch on to our occasional untruths, we must guide them through the maze of white lies, outright fabrications, lies of omission, and pure fantasy, and determine when each is appropriate. It’s a tangled web we weave.
Someday, I’ll share the enchanting stories of Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny with my child to spark her imagination and sense of wonder. While I know these are not entirely true, I believe they serve a greater purpose in nurturing her creativity. I strive to be a transparent parent, but I know there will be moments when I choose to stretch the truth. Sometimes it’s to shield her, sometimes to inspire hope, and often because I’m still trying to convince myself.
1. Everything will turn out just fine.
Sweetheart, let’s cross our fingers and hope for the best! This comforting phrase is meant to soothe, but the reality is that sometimes things won’t be fine—at least not immediately, or within any timeline you might wish. Healing from wounds takes its own time. You’ll experience love and heartbreak, and while people often offer well-meaning advice about how quickly you’ll bounce back, it’s okay to take your time. One day, you’ll wake up and realize that you’re okay again, but it may take a while.
2. There’s nothing to fear.
That’s not entirely true. There are things that can be quite scary. I still find myself fearful of the dark and the things lurking beneath my bed. I worry that harm may come my way as I enjoy a meal, or that I’m not doing enough as a parent. And yes, I worry for you too, dear one. There are many frightening aspects of life that you will encounter. What matters is that it’s perfectly fine to feel fear, as long as it doesn’t hold you back from living, loving, and being your true self.
3. Being a good person guarantees good things.
Sometimes, being a good person doesn’t protect you from the harsh realities of life. You might face difficult circumstances like illness, job loss, or heartbreak, and there’s little you can do to avoid it. At times, life can just feel unfair. It’s essential to accept the challenges and search for the small joys amidst the chaos; it’s these little things that remind us why life is worth living.
4. You can achieve anything your heart desires.
If only this were true! If it were, I’d be a successful author living in a luxurious penthouse. For some, achieving their dreams may come easily, but for most, it requires hard work, talent, and unwavering dedication. And even then, that may not be enough. I once thought that enthusiasm and a smile would be enough to land me a spot as a professional dancer, but life had other plans. If you recognize that the path may be challenging and don’t let setbacks discourage you, you’ll eventually find your way.
5. Love is all you need.
While love is indeed powerful, it won’t pay the bills or keep you warm on a cold night. Love is wonderful, but it doesn’t provide food or security. It’s crucial to cherish love, but remember that it should be complemented with other essentials in life. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking love alone is enough; that’s a misconception you want to avoid.
I don’t want my child to grow up jaded like I did, at least not before she experiences her fair share of disappointments. So, I’ll share these whimsical truths to nurture her confidence and sense of security. I’ll weave these tales with warmth and affection, hoping she blossoms into a brave, optimistic woman ready to take on the world. I’ll be sure to leave out the fine print, because while I might be a storyteller, I wouldn’t dream of ruining her childhood.
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Summary
Parenting often involves a delicate balance of honesty and comforting lies. While it’s important for children to learn about the complexities of life, certain “whimsical truths” can help nurture their confidence and imagination. As they grow, it’s essential to guide them through the realities of fear, the unpredictability of life, and the need for both love and hard work.
Keyphrase: whimsical truths for children
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