As a mom I want my kids to shoot for the stars and fulfill their dreams. However I also want them to be realistic in their dreams and goals. So I try to be as realistic with them as I possibly can with them. So sometimes when they are talking to me about certain things I will be honest with them on whether or not I think they should do it or I will point out the work they need to do to achieve their goal. For example I know my son wants a job but he needs to work on his grades. So when he talks about it I remind him that in order to do that he needs to work on his grades. Another example is where they say they want to be in the future. My daughter wants to her own her own business. I try to tell her that if she doesn’t change the way she is currently doing certain things that she may not obtain her dreams.
I feel as a parent it is my job to be realistic with them. But I also have to encourage them. I don’t want them walking around thinking that things will come easy to them. I want them to realize the work they need to put in to obtain their dreams. You aren’t going to get it if you don’t start putting in the work as soon as possible. That’s like someone saying they want to lose 100 pounds in six months but they aren’t changing their eating habits or working out. Then when the six months come up they are upset because they are still where they were six months ago. Sometimes I feel bad because I think I am actually crushing their dreams but I don’t think I am doing them any good if I sell them a pipe dream. I totally believe it is possible to be encouraging and realistic at the same time. I would rather my kids to hear the truth from me than anyone else.
I want the best for my children and I think the only way to do that is to be honest and encouraging to them. I don’t want them to think I am purposely trying to prevent them from pursuing the things they want. I want them to listen and change what they need to in order to succeed. They need to hear the bad so that they can be better than they ever were before. I try to let them know that the things I am saying to them aren’t intended to hurt them but are meant to encourage them to do better. Are you brutally honest with your kids? Do you think you do a good job with towing the line between being encouraging and realistic.
