The years pass, and that little “nugget’ has grown, along with two other munchkins. The roller coaster ride was now not just hormonal, but a lesson for all. We had numerous moments of joy, laughter and crazy banter. There were also times of frustration, anger, school stress, scolding, and nagging.
"We are the very first teachers in our children's lives."
The lesson I’ve learnt is that we as parents want what’s best for our children. The love we show or sometimes don’t show, begins from that first day. We all want to love our kids to bits. But we have a duty. A duty to mold, to teach, to discipline and to stand by them no matter what. Throughout their lives. We, the parents, are after all the very first teachers in our children’s lives. They depend on us completely in the beginning and we have the choice to start that process in providing them the tools to become not just good but great human beings.
"Tough love is at times necessary and beneficial."
The love we have for them is not and should not be quantified. We know how much we love them, but we need to know how much to show or give at different times. Tough love, we sometimes hear about, is at times necessary and beneficial. It teaches resilience, problem-solving and initiative.
Yes it would be painful and hurtful to us when our children rebel and do the opposite of what we had hoped. In reality they would at some point. That would be the test of how much we will support and stand by them. We have to decide when to tell them they are wrong.
So how much do we love our children? The answer is, with every cell of our being.
I learnt long ago from a wise counselor, that we need to “be firm, but kind”. I applied this theory whenever possible. Even towards other children in my profession. And I must say it works wonders! However, the most important ingredient has to be genuine love. Children are awfully sensitive and they’ll know instantly if you’re faking it…
Enjoy your children for who they are. Each one a unique star who makes up the universe.
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