Did you know that your child has dreams too?
If you are a parent then you understand the importance of that. Often I hear of parents that have regrets that they did not pursue their own dreams. They share how they want their children to pursue their dreams so that there are no regrets later.
For the parents that made that sacrifice I think that some of them get to live their dreams through their children. That is why some parents push their children toward that reward.
Then you have the parents that have succeeded and simply want to ensure that their children try also.
As a parent myself that is what my hope and wishes are for our boys. I want them to pursue their passion too. By having a strong faith and belief in what they are capable of doing.
What I have learned is that it is important for them to see me pursue my dreams. In this way it helps to inspire them too. I try to be the role model to show them that I believe in myself.
Belief, now that is a very powerful word. It can either propel you forward or a lack of it can hold you back. Kids need to be encouraged while they are young and as they mature into young adults.
One of my favorite jobs that I had in Ohio was working with high school students. To be able to encourage them to dream big and to never give up. It felt like I helped to give them that extra nudge to dream bigger.
A child needs that kind of encouraging word as often as possible. Dreams that begin when they are young should be pursued if it is in their heart.
Can you imagine where we would all be today had we pursued them when we were young?
Amazing things happen when we go after our goals. So many people do not discover it until they are much older. Not that it’s too late, but it does help when starting younger.
I always advise people to start this habit while they are young. Who doesn’t want their child to always be inspired?
Kids need to learn the importance of going after their goals especially during the tough times. As an adult it is easy to remember our own struggles. Now imagine if this was your child going through it and trying to keep them motivated on top of that.
How do you keep a child inspired then?
First explain the importance of what the ultimate goal will be. What will be the end result? Come up with a plan together.
Dreams can be the kind that you will make a career out of or a dream to complete a personal goal. They are both worth going after.
Ask your child what they dream about. Do they dream about what they want to be when they grow up? Research what that might be.
Do all that you can with your child to find out more about it. Maybe it will take a day trip for the both of you to see this dream in motion. Get a mentor for your child in that dream field.
Do they want to pursue a sports goal?
If it is sports than look for ways to build and improve on that. What would it take for them to go to the next level? Positive reinforcement is the way to go.
Have your child give themselves the right kind of pep talk. What kind of positive self talk could they be engaged in?
Make a vision board together. Allow them to see the kinds of dreams that you still have. Whether small or big dreams.
Being united in this endeavor will show your child that you support them. That you are invested in their success.
Talk about what could happen and the setbacks that might come along the way. Let your child know that a dream will take work, sacrifice and a strong commitment.
Communicating with your child and letting them know that you support them will inspire them. It will be the motivation to pursue what is in their heart. Less fear will take part in their decision to pursue it.
Dreams come in all shapes and sizes. They can be small and also so big that they appear impossible. When your child questions the impossible steps reassure them.
Let your child know that everyone has a beginning along their pursuit. Most importantly though that all that have succeeded before them believed in one thing only. They believed that quitting wasn’t an option.
Are you ready to lead your child towards dreaming bigger?
Have you been pondering over a question that you aren’t sure about? Need advice on it? All submissions will be posted with your first name only unless otherwise indicated in your email. Submissions may be edited for clarity. If you would like to have your question featured on an upcoming “Ask Lucy” segment please email me at: hello@lulalucy.com
