Thursday, October 29, 2009

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A Parenting(?) Question

At 6 months pregnant and with the due date fast approaching I find myself thinking a lot about what type of parent I will be and what kind of knowledge I want to impart on my daughter-to-be. My mind runs in all directions when I try to answer these questions. I know I will be the strict parent and I also know that I am going to love this child in immeasurable amounts. She's not even here yet and I find myself fiercely protective of her and everything having to do with her.

There are so many things I want to teach her. So many things I want her to know about the world. I've decided that the main thing I want to teach her (or give her?) is a strong and confident sense of self. I think it’s so important for you to feel comfortable in who you are because there are going to be so many situations in life that will test what you think of yourself. From shattered relationships to the media to interactions with random strangers, there are all kinds of situations that will make you look at yourself and how you are perceived by others. I am completely confident and happy in the person I have become. I know I may be perceived in many different ways but I am ok with that because I know who I am and I am ok with that person. I hope this is something that shows when the little one starts developing her sense of self and that this is something that will provide her with the tools necessary when she starts to question who she is and who she wants to be.

So now my question is...What's one thing you think is important to teach the little ones?

7 comments:

Jen said...

Wow that's a tough question. I agree that self confidence is at the top of my list. I'd also put responsibility and kindness at the top too.

#1SAHM said...

this is along the confidence lines, but for me, instilling a strong sense of self respect is important.

Nanna said...

I think one of the most important thing to teach little ones is to be kind to one another.

Mary said...

Good question....I have a two year old and four year old and still ask myself that all the time. I think this week, sharing and being kind to others is on the list too. That, and flush and wash hands :).

Jules Someone said...

I have letters that my dad wrote to me. Letters telling me that he was proud of me and that he loved me. Descriptions of what proud feels like (it made him taller and gave him a lump in his throat). Through anything, I always had (have) those. I knew that no matter what, someone was on my side.

My dad died 15 years ago. I still read those letters when I need them. And I write them to my kids. I have a journal for each of them

Teach them that they are loved no matter what.

beth said...

ooh good one. I think the ability to take responsibility for mistakes is so important. Examples: if you break something, stay and apologize; if you spill something, clean it up; if you hurt someone's feelings, do what you can to fix it.

I think this teaches kids to respect others and leads to self-confidence: we all make mistakes, and need to learn how to move on from them, so it's not the end of the world to take risks.

Stephanie said...

Thank you for your responses! I have been thinking so much about this lately.