Last year, I wrote about my life lessons in a post called “34 Life Lessons I Have Learned“. I think I have learned so many more lessons that I would like to share with you.
I guess every new thing that happens to us is a learning opportunity. I am sure that if we all had the habit of asking ourselves the question “What have I learned today?” at the end of the day, just before going to bed, it would give us a sense of achievement, progress and fulfillment.
I am sharing with you some of my lessons. In the comment box below, please share with me (and the Family Matters community) some of your life lessons. I know I get inspired by what other people write.
I hope you do too.
I have learned that my parents love me very much, although they do not say words of love, and that when I look at my grandmother who never says a love word, I understand it is probably very hard for my parents to say words they have never heard themselves. I have learned that, although I have not heard the words “I love you”, I need to say them to my kids every day, so they will never have doubts about my love for them. Say “I love you” even if it is hard. Stand in front of the mirror and practice saying it until you feel comfortable with the words. This way, you will also practice loving yourself.- I have learned that, although I have dedicated much money, effort and time to gaining knowledge and certificates for my career, my most important career in life is parenting. I have learned that studying for my “parenting degree” will continue long after my kids leave the house. I have learned that during these studies, no one notifies you of upcoming tests and that kids can throw you a surprise test any day, but if you are ready, you will never fail. I have learned that I get my parenting certificate every time I am proud and happy with my kids. Consider your parenting career highly. You will need to earn it most of your life.
- I have learned that a hug and a kiss can heal any wound and any pain and that mommy’s kiss contains real magic. When your kids come crying, kiss and hug them, even when they are 19.
- I have learned that playing is a good way to stay young and that people who stop playing miss an important part of life that is full of joy. I have learned that hanging around kids for a long time helps me stay young because their joy rubs off on me. Stay around kids as much as you can. Happy kids are the best antioxidants.
I have learned that when I raise kids, I relive my childhood and that this second chance is a more powerful and memorable experience. I have learned that I learn a lot about myself through my kids and that I can understand my parents and get close to them through my kids. Enjoy every minute of your parenting and your kids!- I have learned that setting boundaries for my kids is what makes them feel safe and helps them trust me to know what I am doing. I have learned that boundaries are not set in stone and I can update them based on circumstances and the age of my kids and that changing them only means I grow too as a parent. Set boundaries. It is part of the job description.
- I have learned that when my mom said it is not healthy to eat a hot cake, she was repeating what her mom had said, who was repeating what her mom had said… One grandmother has probably said it jokingly and the saying lost its humor on the way. I have learned that there are probably many similar things like that are out of context and we repeat them without really thinking about their relevance. Tell your kids that hot cake is amazingly tasty and playing with food is creative. Tell them that running around is healthy and having ice cream for breakfast is fun. Why? Because they will grow to be happier and healthier kids this way.
- I have learned that it is better to hear my kids’ problems directly from them, even if what I hear is unpleasant. I have learned that I can help my kids more when I know what is happening in their life, when I know the struggles, the difficulties and the disappointments. Encourage your kids to tell you everything, even the tough stuff, and use every opportunity to tell them you are happy when they share their thoughts with you and that you will always be there to help them.
- I have learned that God makes women forget the pain of birth so we consider having more kids and that every family can have more than one child. If you are afraid of the birth of your kids, know that joy will soon take over.
- I have learned that my kids’ report cards say little about my kids and a lot about their teachers and how interesting they make their subject for their students. When you look at your kids’ report card, remember it is mostly a certificate for their teachers.
I have learned that being different is not always bad. Most of the children at my kids’ school split their time between their mom’s house and their dad’s house and I prefer my kids to be different.- I have learned that a great thing I can do for my kids is to keep falling in love with their father and to keep the love between us happening. I have learned that when there is tension between Gal and me, our kids suffer a lot. I have learned that when I show my affection for my husband, my kids feel loved too. For your kids’ sake, work on your relationship with your partner.
- I have learned that kids do not always want luxurious present but they do want your presence at special occasions. For kids, a presentation in class is a special occasion. For kids, a school assembly, in which they stand on stage for 1 minute to receive an award, is a special occasion. Be there for them, because they think your presence is love.
- I have learned that if I do not want my kids to eat junk, I need to not buy it and put it in front of them and ask them to avoid it. Kids do not have enough money to buy chocolates and candy and fill the pantry with them. Kids do not starve themselves, so if you present food to them in an attractive way, they will eat everything.
- I have learned that saying to my kids “I can’t”, “I’m sad” and “I don’t know” only makes me human in their eyes and saves them from heartache later in life when they realize I cannot do everything and I do not have all the powers in the world. Be honest with your kids. Most of their life, they will be grownups.
I have learned that when I raise kids, I relive my childhood and that this second chance is a more powerful and memorable experience. I have learned that I learn a lot about myself through my kids and that I can understand my parents and get close to them through my kids. Enjoy every minute of your parenting and your kids!
I have learned that being different is not always bad. Most of the children at my kids’ school split their time between their mom’s house and their dad’s house and I prefer my kids to be different.Remember, as a parent, you can support your kids in learning the lessons in life by sharing your own lessons with them. When you share, you are experienced and wise. However, do not confuse lecturing with sharing. When you lecture, you are just old.
Share your wisdom in the comment box below.
Happy parenting,
Ronit
