Discover Who Your Kids Are

Each one of us is unique. There is a mission for me that is not for you - only I can do it. You have a mission that is not for me - only you can do it. 

Parenting is really difficult. I am not yet a parent but I would admit that there are times that I have given my mother a tough time. Sometimes, as parents, they try to mould their kids to their ideal. 

But it was really breath-taking to hear parents stating tip #7.

Discover who your kids are. 
Don't turn them into your ideals.

Help them discover their unique mission in this world. 

This is a really liberating advice. I know many would be happy if their parents helped them find out who they really are. 

Imagine this. You are young once again, and your parents tell you that you will go on a journey, and you ask them where to. They smile and tell you, 'We will go and discover you.' How would you feel? Excited?

Now if you are a parent, or will be a parent, know this. Your child will be very grateful if you help them get to know themselves - their God-given selves - and not project your image of them onto them. 

How Can Parents Help?

1. Pray for guidance. The watchmaker knows how a watch should work, the creator of man would definitely know what is the God-given mission given to the child. So ask God.
2. Remain humble. Your idea might not be God's idea. And sometimes, your kids will tell you who they think God made them to be. Don't be stuck with the idea that you would know everything just because you are the parent. 
3. Spend time really dialoguing with your kids. Don't just talk, let your kids talk. And LISTEN. It is through listening that you discover. Don't assume you know. Find out from your kids.
4. Love the person, not the character. Love them through their flaws and their being difficult. Always think of the person. When your kid feels secure in this love, he will have the courage to embark on the journey of self-discovery. He will not be afraid to fail, he knows you will not love him any less. He will not be afraid of what he will discover, he knows you will accept him for who God called him to be. 

For more tips on what to expect when you become a parent, you can read this article from another site here.