Some Good Advice!

Parents, I know you're bombarded by unsolicited advice from well-meaning friends and family. And I genuinely believe you already know what to do. But regardless, sometimes a little encouragement and support still helps, doesn't it?

So, in this role of encouragement and support, I can tell you with absolute certainty that each one of our kids is unique and is a gift. With their precious individuality in mind, let's just let our children be who they are, okay? Let's fuss less over minor things that won't really matter in a decade or two anyway.

Here's a lesson we'll all know very well in about another decade after we've worn ourselves out from fighting with our kids too much over silly stuff. I'm going to share this with everyone right now. Our kids are pretty smart and in some ways, already have an idea of who they are and what they want in life. However, this natural path of theirs may not perfectly mimic the standard route that society is pressuring us to make our kids conform to. Pushing them in ways they don't want to go probably isn't going to change their trajectory anyway. And it certainly will deteriorate our relationship with them.

In the end, our children's individuality is what makes up their unique special contribution to this world. And no one else, but they can make that same exact contribution to this world. So let's let them do it. Let them make their mark on this world that way they want to make it. Ultimately, our real job as parents is just to love our kids. And then it's to teach them to embrace their own special unique individuality, so they become comfortable in their own skin.

Now, as my Granddaddy always said, "Go learn, lead, and lay the way to a better world for all of us." Take careful note of this good advice that can lessen our grief and add to the quality of our families' lives. And once again parents, thanks in advance for all that you do, and all that you will do…

Daniel Blanchard is a New Britain Schoolteacher who is also a bestselling and award-winning author, speaker, educator,and TV host. Learn more about Dan at: www.GranddaddysSecrets.com