How tempting to want to save our children and teens from the mistakes we made. Some of what we consider “mistakes” may be things that kept us from doing something that we valued, or got in the way of our dream. But our children have their own dreams and what may have been a mistake for us may be exactly what would move them toward their goal. Listening for our children’s dreams and hopes, and supporting them, is one of the most valuable and challenging things we could do for them as parents (or significant adults in their lives).
When I was a young adult, my father said to me ”I made my mistakes, and now it’s time for you to go forth and make your own.” Perhaps that’s what makes a life. The mistakes we make and how we handle them. Do we learn from them, make the best of things, or dwell in regrets? What do we tell ourselves about our mistakes? I apppreciate my father’s gift in letting me know that I would be making my own mistakes, and that it was okay, that it was to be expected.
Fall down, get up is one motion.
Tags: mistakes, protection
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