Helping kids learn from their mistakes

As you get older, you really start to realize that a lot of what your mother told you is right. Even though you go through periods of your life when all you want to do is prove her wrong, she ends up being right.

If your mother is like mine, of course she only wants the best for you. She has the experience and she has seen it all. I have become resigned to the fact that when she gives me an opinion, she is probably right. Her worries, her concerns, they all seem to have been proven valid. Now that I am a mother, I see myself trying to do the same with my children.

I know in my heart that the advice I am giving is correct, and I know the consequences if my children do not take my advice. Of course, the difference is that I am 40, and my kids are 8. I will have many years ahead of me to try and convince these kids that momma knows best. My intentions with them are the same as with my mother, but it will take time for that to be understood.

As a parent, you have to present your case to your children, and hope that they understand where you are coming from. Ultimately, they are going to do what they feel is right, and the best you can do is be
there for them either way. As I get older, though, I am really starting to see how hard it is to let go and to let your children possibly make a big mistake. Your job is to be there to pick up the pieces if it doesn't work out. You have to be there for them either way, and you hope that they will learn from their mistakes.

I am very thankful for my mother and her great ability to offer her concerns and opinions, but leaving the
decisions up to me. I know how incredibly difficult it must have been to watch me take chances, but she
let me make my own decisions, and she has been there without judgment for whatever has happened after. That is what I am vowing to do, and I hope with all my heart that my children appreciate it, and understand what a blessing it truly is.