As I sit nearby, I observe my children sprawled on the floor, constructing towers with bright yellow blocks that they promptly transform into lightsabers. Moments later, they pick up markers and begin sketching a treasure map, leading them into the nooks of their closet. They flit from the kitchen to a dress-up corner, diving into their fort, their imaginations conjuring up thrilling adventures meant just for them.
I take a moment to admire their creativity and the remarkable ability to play together for extended periods without squabbling or succumbing to tears. They might have been pleading for snacks just seconds ago, but now they are lost in their world of imagination.
I reach for their notebook, filled with drawings of our family, the park, whimsical patterns, and their own little handprints. As I thumb through the pages, I notice their names written in the unsteady, oversized script typical of a preschooler.
When did this happen? When did the little one who once grew within me learn to form letters, color neatly, show kindness, and leap from three stairs high?
I’m overtaken by a mix of wonder and affection for my child, so I say, “Hey, sweetheart, I’m so proud of you! Your strength, bravery, and hard work in learning your letters are commendable.”
Wait, is that the right approach? Research suggests we’re raising a generation of kids who are overly praised, protected, and shielded from setbacks, leading to an entitlement that can be detrimental. I wonder if I should temper my pride with reminders that life requires hard work and perseverance, teaching them the value of gradual achievement.
Is it acceptable to express my pride even when they haven’t accomplished anything notable? Can I adore her simply for being who she is?
I don’t stop there. I also affirm that she is beautiful, her body is perfect as is, and I cherish her artwork. I reinforce that she is important, courageous, and capable of achieving anything she desires.
Of course, we balance this with lessons on effort, the importance of celebrating others, and discussing the hard work her father and I put into our achievements. We encourage her to practice, try again, and understand the consequences of her actions. My children are wonderfully average in the most delightful ways.
However, these moments are fleeting. The years I have their attention are limited; soon, the voices of friends, media, and society will overshadow mine. Thus, I seize every opportunity to affirm their worth, to tell them they are perfect as they are, and that they are brilliant, creative, and strong.
I want them to be so firmly grounded in their self-worth that they remain unshaken by the world’s criticisms. Magazines may impose unrealistic beauty standards, peers may dictate fashion, and boys may pressure them to conform. I aspire for them to be so confident in themselves that they dismiss negativity and embrace their uniqueness without hesitation.
It’s vital to clarify the distinction between instilling a sense of superiority and nurturing a deep awareness of love. These years are our chance to provide them with a solid foundation, to empower them with strength and love before they venture out into the world.
And when they accomplish what we always believed they could, I’ll be there to say, “See, my dear, I always knew you could do it.”
For more insight into family journeys, you can explore this article on couples’ fertility pathways for intracervical insemination here. If you’re interested in home insemination options, you can check out this comprehensive at-home insemination kit here. For further reading on pregnancy and home insemination, this resource from ACOG is invaluable here.
In summary, valuing our children involves striking a balance between affirming their unique qualities and teaching them about effort and resilience. We hold the power to instill confidence that lasts a lifetime, enabling them to navigate the world with a strong sense of self-worth.
Keyphrase: nurturing children’s self-worth
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