We saw the movie “The Decendants” the other day and there was the best line.
“Give your kids enough to help them do something, but not so much they do nothing.”
As a baby boomer mother, I don’t think I am alone at wanting to give my kids everything that I was not given. My parents were raised in the depression, and even though the economy prospered during my upbringing- we were not given too much.
This really was a gift to me. My parents provided me a great education and opportunities to grow. The desire to succeed on my own was planted inside of me. That yearning for more in life has been a great motivation to do things outside of my comfort zone.
As I raise my kids, there is a temptation to give them some of the things I wasn’t given. Our kids were told they could go to any college they could get into. We assured them we would figure out how to pay for it. Making sure they have the experiences of college has been important to me. I am so proud of the accomplishments they have all had in college.
Because I have not given Ashley too much, I see a strong desire inside of her to succeed. This is something I cannot give to her, so I am grateful that she has it. That desire to succeed will be the main cause of her success. Her strong desire + a clear vision + effective action = success. The accomplishments she experiences will provide some of the greatest joy in life.
In looking at a new year coming up, we will both be setting new goals. I see the role as a mentor is to continue to develop myself and lead by example. This next year will surely be one where we will both grow. I feel another growth spurt coming on!
