As much as children are their own individuals and we, as parents, cannot “control” them – we are influential.
Influences surround all of us, and in the case of our children, parents have the opportunity to favourably install a morale compass that may guide them. A compass that may guide them when you are not there to hold their hand and walk them in the right direction.
Sure – my children are just 9 and 12, so who am I to make these statements when I have yet to live through parenting during the tumultuous teenage years.
Parenting through fear or an attitude that my children have a 50/50 chance of being one definition of success or another of failure is not something that I am going lead with.
Instead, I will lead with my heart and be present.
Some may call me naive. Others might call me hopeful.
I call myself one who operates with integrity, compassion, love, hope and faith.
…
My parents instilled values of hard work, dedication and service to others in me. I use the compass, the gift, they gave me to carry this work forward – hopefully for generations.
Parenting is not about flipping a coin; I give myself more credit than that – and I think you should, too.
What are the attributes on the compass you are gifting to your children?
Lean into your beliefs.
Hold onto your values.
Believe in yourself.
…
Enjoyed this article? Continue to be inspired, read unlimited stories on Medium and share in the community for just $5/month. A portion of your membership fee supports writers, like me.
—
This post was previously published on medium.com.
***
You may also like these posts on The Good Men Project:
 White Fragility: Talking to White People About Racism |
 Escape the “Act Like a Man” Box |
 The Lack of Gentle Platonic Touch in Men’s Lives is a Killer |
 |
—
Photo credit: Andriyko Podilnyk on Unsplash
