This past weekend I hosted a baby shower for one of my oldest and dearest friends. After the busyness of the party preparations, hosting obligations, and clean-up passed, I had a few minutes to think about this new person that will soon be welcomed into a family and into the world. Now that my own children are nearly three and six-years-old, I think I am slowly emerging from the hormonal, sleep deprived haze of new motherhood. And I feel like I am able to reflect more thoughtfully, and less emotionally, on both the wonders and practicalities of raising a child. So here are just a few of the things that I would like my friend’s soon-to-be-born child (or, for that matter, every child) to know:
- You were wanted and loved since well before you were born.
- Your parents have roles and identities that extend beyond Mommy and Daddy, and sometimes it is hard to manage them all. But the role of Mommy and Daddy are always their first priority.
- Possibilities are endless as long as you ask for help and trust your instincts.
- Take music lessons. Like all mothers say, one day you will be very thankful that you did and wish that you had practiced more often.
- If you ever need proof that your parents were real people before they morphed into these strange beings called Parents, just ask one of their childhood friends. (I have countless stories and photos to prove it.)
- Marry your best friend. And fall in love with that same person over and over again.
- Remember always that you are strong, beautiful, and capable.
- Practice empathy and patience. They are two of the hardest virtues to carry out, but among the most important.
- Forgive and ask for forgiveness easily.
- Your family is as vast and as strong as you make it.
- Your parents are two of the kindest and most genuine people that I know. You are lucky to have them as your parents.
Linking up with Galit at These Little Waves and Alison at Writing, Wishing for Memories Captured.
What do you want every child to know?
21 Comments
I love this list. I think parents even forget number 2 sometimes – I know I do. I would want childrento know that life is very hard sometimes, and that is why we need to value those who are in our lives, family and friends. Having some sort of faith or belief system is important too.
Thanks, Kathy. You are so right – life is hard, especially when we are pulled in a million different directions and trying to be so many different things to so many different people. Faith certainly goes a long way for me.
A beautiful, thoughtful list, Christine!
Thanks, Alison.
Great list! I love 9 and 10 especially. They’re so important and so easy to forget.
You are so, so right. Family is what me make it, right?
Wonderful advice. Your children are lucky to have you as their mother.
Awww, thank you, Steph!
Such a beautiful list. They should frame that and put it in the baby’s room. 🙂
Thanks! The friend I wrote this for actually posted on facebook that she planned to put it in the baby’s nursery.
Christie thank you so much for the beautiful shower, and more importantly the beautiful post, which is a great reminder for both Eric and I (and baby) of what is most important in life, which is the people you love. We are lucky to have you!
You are very welcome! We are lucky to have both of you too.
*Swoon*
I love this!
Like really, really love this!
One more time: *Swoon*
Thanks so much, Galit!
Wow, this gave me chills. Such beautiful words for us all to learn and know. I particularly like #8 and need to do it more myself…
Thanks for visiting. I have a hard time with #8 myself, particularly patience. That one is a constant struggle.
What a powerful and beautiful post! Your children will grow up as fantastic human beings having you as their mother 🙂
Awww, thank you so much!
Beautiful! #6 is my favorite! My husband drives me mad, but lucky for him he’s easy to fall in love over and over and over and over…
Great list!
Thank you. I agree with you. That one is one of my favorites too. Thanks for visiting and sharing your thoughts. Come back again!
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