A few weeks back, my son, Jake, shared some big news: he was a finalist in his school’s Geo Bee. He expressed his nerves and reluctance, saying, “I’m not going to win, so I just feel like not doing it.” I completely related to his sentiments. Even at 42, I sometimes face similar feelings, which can be perplexing. So how can I instill the confidence in him to give it his all, regardless of the result? It’s definitely a challenge. The last thing I want is for my kids to feel so much pressure that they lose the joy in what they do.
I encouraged Jake to take the stage, focus on me for support, and simply do his best, assuring him that I would be proud no matter the outcome. He went through with it, visibly grappling with the desire to excel. While he didn’t win, he persevered and hopefully found some enjoyment in the experience. He considers himself an average kid, but I never want him to equate that with not being good at anything or fearing failure. I will always make it clear that my pride in him isn’t contingent on being the best.
All three of my children are quite average. They make the honor roll occasionally but have to put in a lot of effort. Schoolwork doesn’t come easy for them, and while high honors may be a possibility in the future, it’s uncertain. They participate in sports and various clubs, having some great moments where they shine, but there are plenty of times when they don’t.
I have three average kids, and I’m perfectly okay with that. More importantly, they are too. Do I sometimes wish they excel at something to boost their self-confidence? Absolutely, as their mother, I want the best for them. Do I get frustrated when I know they could be putting in more effort? Yes, but that often stems from my own experiences. School never captivated me, and sports were just okay. I lacked the passion to pursue any sport through high school, yet I turned out just fine, and I know my kids will too.
A while back, I witnessed a fellow parent coaching his son’s basketball team. His son was the star player, showcasing impressive skills on the court. But after the game, I overheard the father criticizing him harshly for every mistake. I almost intervened right then and there. It made me ponder whether that boy played basketball out of love for the game or fear of disappointing his father. That’s an immense burden for a child to bear, and I firmly believe that our children should not be shamed for being average; they deserve acceptance instead.
We can motivate our kids to strive for their best, but we shouldn’t force them into molds that don’t fit by applying excessive pressure to be exceptional – doing so can cause lasting harm. Remember, you didn’t have children to live out your dreams through them. They are individuals, not extensions of yourself.
I never want my children to feel that I’m disappointed because they missed a basket or a question in the Geo Bee. I’m just proud that my son showed the courage to participate and put forth his best effort in front of his peers and the community. So yes, I’m a proud parent of three wonderfully average kids, and my love for them is just as strong as if they were straight-A students or the stars of the team.
Their happiness, kindness, and effort matter most to me. They know this because I remind them frequently. Yes, they can be kind, happy, and even excel, but being average doesn’t diminish their worth; average kids are truly amazing people too.
For more insights on family and parenting, you might find it helpful to check out our post on at-home insemination kits as well as this resource on IVF for anyone exploring their family planning options. Also, if you’re interested in self-insemination methods, look into this intracervical insemination syringe kit for a little boost in fertility.
In conclusion, the journey of parenting is filled with its ups and downs, but embracing the average moments can truly enrich our children’s lives and our own.
Keyphrase: Embracing the beauty of being average
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