Unlock The Power Of Parenting: Foster A Closer Connection With Your Children By Allowing Them To Pursue Their Passions

By Jose Lizama

Updated on Monday 22nd of May 2023

As parents, we all want what's best for our children. We want them to be happy, healthy, successful, and fulfilled. And in our efforts to achieve these goals, it's easy to fall into the trap of imposing our own interests, values, and expectations onto them. We may get caught up in our own agendas and forget to listen to our children's voices, needs, and desires. But the good news is that it's never too late to shift our mindset and behaviors towards a more child-centered approach. And one affirmation that can help us do that is "I do not force my children to do things of my own interest."

Let's unpack this affirmation and explore why it's so powerful. First, notice the use of the word "force." This implies that there's a power dynamic at play, where the parent holds the upper hand and the child is expected to comply with their wishes. While there are certainly situations where parents need to set boundaries and make decisions for their children's safety and well-being, we must be mindful of how much control we exert over our children's lives. Just imagine how it would feel to be constantly told what to do, how to think, and who to be by someone who's supposed to love and support you. It's not a recipe for a healthy relationship.

Second, notice the phrase "of my own interest." This acknowledges that our interests may not be the same as our children's interests. We may have our own hobbies, passions, career goals, cultural and religious practices, and political views that we want to pass down to our children. But we must recognize that our children are their own persons, with their own unique personalities, strengths, weaknesses, and dreams. They may be fascinated by things we find boring, scared of things we find exciting, or passionate about things we find irrelevant. And that's okay. In fact, it's more than okay – it's beautiful. Our job as parents is not to mold our children into our image, but to help them discover and express who they are.

So how can we put this affirmation into practice? Here are some tips:

1. Listen actively to your children. When they talk about their interests, ask questions, show enthusiasm, and show them that you care about what matters to them.

2. Offer options, not ultimatums. Instead of telling your children what they have to do or not do, offer them a range of choices that align with their interests and values. This can help them feel empowered and respected.

3. Provide resources and support. If your children want to pursue a particular hobby, sport, art, or musical instrument, do your best to find them the tools and opportunities they need to do so. This can involve enrolling them in classes, buying them equipment, introducing them to mentors, or simply giving them space and time to practice.

4. Celebrate their achievements and efforts. When your children make progress or achieve their goals, let them know that you're proud of them. This can boost their confidence, self-esteem, and motivation to keep trying.

By following these tips and embracing the "I do not force my children to do things of my own interest" affirmation, you can create a more harmonious, respectful, and fulfilling relationship with your children. You can foster a positive and supportive environment where your children can thrive and develop into confident, independent individuals. And the good news is that you don't have to do it alone – there are many resources, communities, and experts who can help you along the way. So take a deep breath, let go of some control, and enjoy the journey of parenting. It may not always be easy, but it's certainly rewarding.

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