10 Lessons From a Decade of Parenting

Recently my child turned 10. TEN. This is a big milestone for parents and kid because we are now in the two digits, age range... and though many people think of me as a knowledgeable and seasoned parent, I still see myself as that wide-eyed mom, gazing into her daughter’s eyes for the first time. 

Parenting has been a unique experience for me. I’ve tackled much of my struggles with love and have created a parenting philosophy hell bent on breaking generational curses and elevating my children’s dreams and talents as best as I can without harming them with my preconceived ideas of who they are and what they are capable of.
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This recent birthday brought about the realization that my daughter is closer to the door than she is to my womb. This got me thinking. What were the qualities that helped us get here? What do I need to do to ensure we keep on a positive path? What do I need to model?

Here are 10 lessons  from a decade of parenting:
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1. Maintain a loving, judgement-free and warm home.
2. The best way to show teamwork is in your marriage or co-parenting relationship.
3. No plan is indestructible. Be patient and have enough humility to exercise flexibility when necessary.
4. Allow space for kids to speak up and advocate for their needs and even their opinions when appropriate.
5. Spend time cultivating talents and interests and make sure each person is the #1 fan of their siblings.
6. Set reasonable standards and kids will  rise to the occasion. Your family values are only important if they fit within a larger global experience.
7. Raising children that are aware but not angry is challenging.
8. Much of parenting is life coaching a person into their greatness.
9. Challenges and danger are everywhere. Live a fearless life ready to face life head on.
10. Every day that you’re given time together is a great day. Take nothing for granted and be grateful.

Kids are their own special people and it is our responsibility as parents to create independent and self sufficient people that can help make the world better.

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What have you learned in your journey? Share in the comments!

More on the whimsy of raising daughters:

• The Land of 8 and 9
• Preparing Myself To Proactively Parent Through The Tweens
• Enjoy It Girls While It’s Still Fun
• Let’s Stop Lying To Our Daughters
• The Measure of Success
• Playground Wars: Are My Daughters Not Gangster Enough
• Daddy 20 - Princess Culture 2

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