Now that I’m older, I often look back and wish I had told my kids certain things when they were younger. Whether it was about the importance of school, following their dreams, or being more responsible with their time. There are so many valuable lessons that could have been imparted.
Unfortunately, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day stress of raising a family and forget to take those important moments to tell kids how much they mean to us. We may even be reluctant to push them too hard or put too much pressure on them.
If I could…
If I could go back in time, there are a few pieces of advice that I wish I said to kids when they were younger:
Work hard now and be proud of your accomplishments
“Don’t let the present moment overshadow the incredible things you’re building! Work hard now, dig deep and push yourself further. The satisfaction of looking back on what you’ve achieved is a feeling unlike any other.”
“Remember, success isn’t a destination, it’s a journey paved with challenges and triumphs. Be proud of the small victories along the way – the extra hour you put in on a project, the skill you finally mastered, the goal you achieved. These moments accumulate, building a foundation for even greater accomplishments in the future.”
Don’t be afraid to take risks
“I know things might seem tough right now, but remember all the amazing things you’ve accomplished already! You passed that test last week, and remember how proud you were when you finally mastered riding your bike? Every challenge you overcome, every late night you spend studying, adds another sparkly gem to your crown of achievements.”
“Don’t be afraid to take chances, even if you stumble a bit. Remember how you learned to walk? Lots of little falls before you took off running, right? Every misstep is a chance to learn and grow even stronger. So keep reaching for the stars, my love. Mommy believes in you, and the feeling of achieving something you set your mind to – that’s the sweetest reward of all!”
Find something you’re passionate about and pursue it with all your heart
“You are capable of incredible things, and I want you to remember that. Remember the way your eyes lit up when you learned that new song on the piano? That’s passion, honey. It’s that spark that makes you want to learn, to create, to push yourself further.”
“Don’t be afraid to explore, to try new things, and to chase after what sets your soul on fire. You’ll surprise yourself with what you can achieve, and that’s something to be incredibly proud of. Now go out there and find your spark.”
Take responsibility for your actions
“It’s okay, everyone makes mistakes! But what matters most is how we learn from them. Taking responsibility for your actions is a big part of growing up.”
“When you take responsibility, you’re not just saying “sorry,” you’re showing that you understand what happened and why. It means thinking about what you could have done differently and learning from it. When you take responsibility, it shows everyone around you that you’re mature and capable of learning. People respect that and you’re working to be the best version you can be.”
Stay positive, even when times get tough
“Being positive isn’t about pretending everything is perfect. It’s about knowing that even when things are hard, you can find a way through. It’s about having that little voice inside you whisper, “I can do this!”
“Sometimes, a positive attitude is all it takes to turn a bad day around. Maybe you can write down things you’re grateful for, or call a friend who always makes you laugh. Even a small smile can change your perspective. Keep that positive light shining, and you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish!”
One thing is for certain: My kids are my world and I want nothing but the best for them! So no matter what age, I will always strive to be there for them. Guide them in the right direction, and help them reach their full potential. That way, they can go out into the world with confidence and take charge of their lives!
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