Children's Dreams

I posted this to facebook in May 2014


Do you love your children?

I'm sure you do.  Any decent parent would.

That said, may I make a suggestion?  Possibly just a reminder.... Love them for who they are.

I think as parents, it can be too easy to get caught up in who you'd like your children to be.  But, you must remember, they do not belong to you.  They have lives and dreams of their own.  We have no right to impose ours on them.  We had our chance to chase dreams, now it is theirs.  It's okay if they dream differently than you, it doesn't have to be something you are interested in.  Be interested because they are.  Share in their excitement, with a little guidance to help them along their way.  Maybe it won't pan out, but that isn't what matters.  What matters is that you have showed your faith in them.  More than any dream or specific journey, they need to know that you believe in them.  That faith will give them the strength and confidence to achieve more than any dictated path ever would.  As a bonus, with you on their side, maybe they will listen when you offer advice that would help them avoid the bigger mistakes.  You can still be a voice of reason.  If you try to seize control, they will just make bigger mistakes when you aren't looking.

That doesn't mean you aren't a parent.  Clearly there are times when a line must be drawn.  To never set limitations would be clearly irresponsible.  I only ask that you don't tread on their dreams.

If you can be their biggest fan, and believe in all the possibilities of what they can be, they will go higher and achieve more because of that confidence.  Go along for the ride, and see how high they can fly.  I can't think of anything more exciting.

If you love your children, you have to give them the chance to be.  Even if it isn't how you planned it.  See the beauty in their dreams.