There is a vanishingly small chance that anything you do will be as meaningful or consequential as being a parent. This is your chance to build the best, most rewarding relationship you’ll ever have. And, more than anything, your child wants a loving parent.
When you’re frustrated, remember that you’re interacting with someone far less experienced, intelligent, and rational than you. And yet they may have the capacity to be far more developed than you will ever be, and the way you interact with them will influence how likely they are to achieve that potential. You create or destroy their capacity for growth.
Beyond providing the necessities, your purpose is to help your child cultivate self-esteem and self-discipline.
- Shower them with unconditional love.
- Help them learn to love themselves.
- Listen to them.
- Don’t lie.
- Don’t lecture.
- Play.
- Indulge their curiosity.
- Let them make meaningful choices.
- Help them confront insecurities. Help them become fearless.
More selfishly, getting to watch a child develop gives you your first chance to see what a child is capable of at different stages. It can help you better understand your own childhood and what you may have lacked.