Things I Want My Kids to Know About Life
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Posted: Tuesday, February 10, 2009
by Jean Horst
I've gotten to the age where my children are young adults and moving in the direction of going out on their own. That has caused me to ponder what sorts of things I want them to remember. Things I wish someone had told me when I was younger. With that in mind, I've started a little list, keeping in mind that shorter is easier to remember. Here's what I've got so far...
-Talking loudest during a discussion doesn't make you more correct.
-Refusing to listen to another person's opinion doesn't mean you won the argument.
-Just because someone else stopped talking doesn't mean they agree.
-A younger person is not automatically wrong even if they are naive.
-Being a parent doesn't make you always right.
-The person who says, "Just wait until you get older, you'll see". Is usually just bitter.
-Being right is not a license to be arrogant, mean, or rude - even to those who are wrong.
-Healthy relationships mean all parties are giving and receiving.
-It's okay to be wrong. When you are just go ahead and apologize.
-An 8 year old can sometimes teach a 40 year old profound things about life.
-Time really does seem to move much more quickly as you get older.
-Older and smarter are not synonyms.
-Kindness and compassion are not functions of the IQ.
-Dogs can smell meanness.
-Republican and Democrat are just the names of political parties; no more, no less.
-A girlfriend who runs out of her hair appointment with wet hair because she knows you are in trouble is a friend you keep for life.
-Adults should pay more attention to the things kids are saying.
-Listening to your enemies is not a sign of weakness.
-Before you complain and whine, you really should take time to count your blessings.
-Most Americans should never complain or whine.
-Narrowmindedness is an emotional problem.
-You'll learn more from the hard times and difficult people than anything else.
-The most important things I can possibly do, all involve the next generation.
-If not everyone is laughing - it's probably not funny.
-It's hard to be mad at someone who makes you laugh.
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More commentsAbsolutely. The wisdom in the points is what we can all benefit from by applying them. I would like to add, "Love, despite invitations to hate."That is a good addition to my list, Desiree! Thank you for commenting.
What a wonderful article! I will copy the list and teach to my 11 years old daughter right now because I believe she's smart enough to grasp it. I would add to your amazing list Dr. Phil's two famous quotes that I actually teach my child through actions not words at the moment:- "You choose the behavior, you choose the consequences" (this one can be taught to preschoolers actually)- "You can't change what you don't acknowledge"Those are great additions, Heba! Thanks.
Great article! These are all helpful tips to help children in the years to come.Thanks so much, James!
As a vet in study i find this one very true!!: "Dogs can smell meanness." great article!It is a very interesting phenomenon, isn't it?
Please add to your list. Don't look back in the past; embrace the present; look forward to a brighter future!That is a good one, James. Thanks!
Great things to want to tell your children. I also wish that someone had told me these when I was younger. I have 2 teen boys right now, one is 17 and the other is 15. I should be imparting things like this to them now...The kids grow up quickly, right?? I wish someone had told me this stuff, too. Thanks for commenting.
Great comments, my kids have all grown up, all doing very well and that due to never listening to anyone else..my mum used to make me do things as she wanted...I felt totally inadeqate. It's not a nice feeling with your first newborn. Some of the comments you submitted I could have done with but the kids are now 23, 22, & 19. So forget everyone that I said listen to no-one. Perhaps I should say, the minute a comment makes you feel uncomfortable stop it immediatley and carry on being the mum you want! And definatley come here instead.Great thoughts, Jill. You are right that no one knows your kids like you do. It's important to take the advice that works for your family. Thanks for your comments!
Hello! Nice educational effort ... by the way, you can add: "Work saves us from three great evils: boredom, vice and need." Voltaire (1694 - 1778)Nice! Thanks for the addition.
Love this! How true it is that our children are our greatest teachers. Thank you!Thanks Liesl, welcome to SearchWarp!
This is awesome! Though I didnt agree with "If not everyone is laughing - it's probably not funny" cos sometimes I say REALLY funny stuff and no one gets it!! But its still REALLY funny :pLOL, Tharuna! You've got a point! I may have to rethink that one.
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