I just got done watching an episode of Duck Dynasty – (yes, we are truly reality t.v. lovers) and amongst all of the laughs that show can provide, I adore how their love for family shines through. True stand by your side, say it like it is, support one another and respect one another kind-of-family.
It was about the kids graduating high school, and the fear of “what they will do” when someone said, we should not worry about what our kids will do one day, simply who they will become.
An ah-ha moment for sure.
Dan and I have always been on the same page for that matter, knowing that our main goal with our boys is to raise wholesome, loving, thoughtful and compassionate boys that will one day become men. Boys that will open doors, invite a friend to play who feels left out, stand up for themselves and others, and love so deeply.
It has to be one of my biggest fears, raising them right. Because, let’s face it. I’m not perfect. Dan and I as parents are not perfect. Where I lack, Dan always seems to balance me back out – and vise versa. Parenting isn’t easy … at all. It is one of the most trying, difficult, emotional experiences. In the same hand it is the most beautiful, rewarding and exciting experience I would not trade for the world.
Of course we want our kids to have goals. We want them to dream, reach for the stars and know that with hard work and dedication they can truly achieve anything. We do not want our kids to feel like pressured them to play a certain sport, or take part in activities or groups that they are not into. We do not want them to feel like there is a bar set, and that is all that matters in life.
I want our boys to be raised in a house where morals and values are seen and heard. In a house with plenty of love and laughter. In a house where mistakes are made, and lessons are learned. A house where it’s okay to cry. In a house where they can express themselves and confide in both Dan and I.
Our kids will oh so quickly become adults you guys. As we all have hopes and dreams of what they will achieve and become down the road, we must keep in mind what is important.
We live in a scary world these days. One that our kids are exposed to far to frequently on a day to day basis. I do my best to pull them away from the news. Not that I want them living in a bubble by any means, but we as children did not encounter 1/2 of what is happening now. We choose to take responsibility for our littles. To know that we help shape them in ways we can’t even begin to imagine.
I know 50 years from now we want to rock back and forth in our chairs, and be proud of the gentleman we have raised. I want nothing more for our boys to see the good in the world. To find joy and love in the scariest of times. To know that if they chose to put on a smile and be the good, they will see good in return. And that when the world goes through its darkest moments they will surround themselves with positivity and light.
For now, Brody wants to be a professional athlete, and Owen wants to work for Toys R Us. (It’s true) And at the end of the day, when we tuck them into bed we have had a typical day raising little boys. We are doing our best to give them the confidence within themselves that they will need not only now, but always. We are doing our best to show great examples of love and kindness so that they will do so themselves as the years progress.
Parenting isn’t easy. Parenting isn’t meant to be perfect.
Where we screw up we must put our best foot forward and try again in the morning.
We should, though, always remember that we are RAISING children to BECOME adults.
They are not little forever.
Let’s stop worrying about what they will do, and focus on who they will become.
xoxo