Parents can quickly explain parenting failures and desires to have parented differently. But that is not the question; what is one thing you did right?
The moment of holding your first newborn and realizing you will be taking the bundle home is an explosion of relief, joy, and terror. Thankfully, you and I were not the first riders at this rodeo.
We depend on multiple resources to help guide and shape our care of our children. Everyone tries to be helpful, although some advice misses the mark. A shot of whiskey to get a baby to sleep may work, but it's not a long-term solution.
Just as we encourage our kids about their strengths, it is right to reflect where our focused efforts returned the results we expected. Was it getting them onto the right sports team for them to flourish, or spending homework time on math problems has helped the aspiring mechanical engineer solidify her dreams? Did your encouragement help your poet find his voice?
I took my son with me each time I worked my part-time handyman business. The work was comprised of long days and late nights, many Home Depot runs and carrying heavy stuff. He can trace his fantastic work ethic to his early labor experience.
Every kid is unique, and our investment will look different for each child. What results can you trace back to your investment? How was your emphasis different for each of your kids? What results are you most proud?
Now it is time to turn the tables. What do your kids think you did right? What one lesson are they grateful to have learned from you? How do they see your positive influence?