We try and mentally squint our eyes to see into the future of our children in ways that will help us to shepherd them into the right decisions. And I wonder if at times we’re looking for the wrong milepost along the way.

Maybe we ‘think’ our child is bright and therefore they should focus their area of study in the sciences so they can become a doctor?

Or perhaps it’s the genetic link. Well if Granddad was a stock broker and your Dad is a stock broker, odds are dear child that you, because of your incredibly strong genetic link should be a stock broker too.

And of course, reality is far from the fantasy we conjure up.

Perhaps as parents instead of squinting to see if we can somehow catch a glimpse of what they ‘will be’, instead with eyes wide open we need to see who they ‘already are’.

Instead of trying to find a way to force them into a vision we have (which at times can be borne from our own missed opportunities) we need to see their strengths and gifts and encourage them in them.

If as parents we look for these gifts already knit deep inside our children and open ourselves up not to controlling them but to celebrating and encouraging them in those strengths…it may make all the difference.

You can hear more at this weeks podcast click here for the itunes link

Have a wonderful week!
Deb Ingino
My Wired Style