Dear Parents,
Allow me to introduce myself: I’m the mother of an incredible 20-year-old son. Over the past three years, he has faced immense challenges, including 18 hospital visits due to severe Crohn’s disease, multiple infections, countless medications, a surgically removed colon, and a recent brain injury from a skateboarding incident.
Do I have your attention now? Good, though I wish it were for a different reason.
As a parent, I understand that you believe your actions are in your child’s best interest. However, I want to share some lessons I’ve learned that might inspire you to reconsider some well-meaning but potentially harmful habits. I had to stop; I hope you will too.
Scale Back on Activities
First and foremost, please consider scaling back on the multitude of activities you’re scheduling for your child. Tennis lessons, piano classes, karate – these commitments can overshadow what truly matters: time for exploration, creativity, and imaginative play. Childhood is fleeting; let your children nurture their curiosity at their own pace. They have time.
Rethink College Preparation
Moreover, resist the urge to start preparing them for college in sixth grade. In fact, let’s reconsider the entire notion of “preparing” them for college. If higher education is on their horizon, they will naturally cultivate their interests and talents. They don’t need you to craft their college essays or pressure them into a never-ending cycle of AP classes, part-time jobs, and volunteer work to build an impressive application. They have time.
Let Go of Life Path Narratives
It’s also essential to let go of the narrative you’ve created about your child’s life path. Remember, they are not reflections of you. Each child has their own journey, complete with victories and setbacks. Don’t shield them from failure; allow them to learn independently, emerging a little bruised but wiser. They have time.
Don’t Rush Into Adulthood
Additionally, avoid rushing them into adulthood. Childhood should be savored, not expedited. Soon enough, they will face the same responsibilities and pressures we do, so why not let them relish their youth? They have time.
Challenge Arbitrary Timelines
Finally, we exist in a world filled with arbitrary rules and timelines dictating when and how children must achieve certain milestones. Who established these norms? Our priority should be preparing our children for life’s most vital lesson: finding joy and love amid uncertainty. By slowing down and reevaluating our actions, we grant them the time they need to embrace this lesson.
They have time.
If you want to explore more about family planning, check out our article on the at-home insemination kit, which offers insightful information for parents considering alternative paths to parenthood. Additionally, for a deeper understanding of conception, visit the resources provided by Keeping Conception Intimate and At Home, and Healthline for comprehensive information on intrauterine insemination.
In summary, please take a moment to reflect on the pace of life you’re imposing on your children. Allow them the gift of time, freedom, and exploration.