How All Kids Are Amazing
The other day, I read a parenting article in which the author said that parents can love their kids too much. I told my daughter Imogen about this and she was horrified: “You can never love a child too much!”
I wonder what the author meant by love. Maybe he thinks parents give their kids the idea they are something special, and then they go out into the world and discover they aren’t quite as wonderful as they have been led to believe.
I shared this idea with Imogen and she said, “If a parent doesn’t believe in a child, who will?”
I think we can love a child without giving her the impression she is perfect. It’s knowing she is loved, despite her imperfections, that encourages a child to become the person she is meant to be. An atmosphere of love can work miracles.
So I’m not holding back on the love. I believe in my kids. I let them know that I’m their number one fan. They are amazing people with amazing talents or qualities. They will change the world. Of course, they might do this in a very quiet way. Or like our son, Thomas, who died some years ago, they will do it in an unexpected way. Yes, sometimes kids don’t actually have to ‘do’ something to be amazing. Thomas and our friend, Michael are changing people’s lives just because of who they are.
My kids are amazing. Yours are too. All kids are amazing. If only we look at our children in the right way, we can see how unique and special each one is. (And if we can’t, perhaps we haven’t yet let go of our own ideas and expectations.)
In this week’s episode, I talk about how all our kids are amazing. I also discuss the following questions:
Should we praise our children?
Should we share their achievements with others?
Do the words ‘planning’ and ‘organisation’ have a place in unschooling? (I’m not talking about record keeping!)
I also tell a few stories.
There’s the one about a very excited dog and a kangaroo.
I have another about a weird woman who talks to herself.
And I tell you how we’re going to be spending Christmas here in Australia.
I hope you’ll listen to my last podcast of the year!
Podcast Notes
Blog posts
Why I Am My Children’s Number One Fan
Life After University: Following Dreams
Podcast
Dreams, Talents, Working and Unworking
Videos
My Youtube channel: Sue Elvis
Music
60’s Quiz Show by Podington Bear, (CC BY-NC 3.0)
Images: The photos of Gemma-Rose were taken last Christmas. Should I tell her how my heart flips over with love whenever I look at her? Or should I keep her guessing?