Thursday, May 29, 2008
-
Things I want to tell my children.
Make up your own mind. Don't take anyone's word for anything, research what you want to, and come to a logical, intelligent conclusion and stand behind your decisions. If someone, no matter who they are, comes to you and tries to question your stance on anything be ready, be absolutely ready to defend yourself.
Be nice to animals.
Everyone is just as worried about themselves as you are about you. Even the kids that think they are cool, they are really the one's who worry the most. The football jock, the cheerleader, they are all worried about what people think of them. The sooner you can get this fact, the easier your life will be.
Money does not equal love. No matter how you look at it, money never equals love. Do not buy things for people to show them that you love them, the best way to show you care is to spend your time with someone.
If someone is picking on you, and you have calmly asked them to stop and they havent, punch them. Bullies need to be put in line, and you don't have to take shit from anyone. Defend yourself.
Stick up for your family. You are a proud part of this family and are expected to defend the honor and integrity of each member in this family. It is also your job to take care of your siblings, they will be there the rest of your life, try to get along.
Be respectful. Learn the names of the people that you meet, look people square in the eye and be polite, until its time to be nasty.
Its okay to sit back and watch people, but never forget that interaction is the best way to learn.
If you want to learn something, do not wait for someone to teach you.
People who look different or act different than us, sometimes need the most love.
Credit cards are a necessary evil. Get one, and keep the balance below five hundred dollars, and always have that money in the bank. You need credit in america, but only until we get out of this country.
There is more to life than being popular, funny, or charming, try being smart. Popular will get you everywhere in high school, but no one cares who you are in high school.
Grownups don't always make the best decisions. Sometimes we screw up just as bad as you do, the real test in being able to trust someone is knowing that when that person does screw up, they will admit it. Don't forget that parenting is hard too, but we will do everything we can to be fair.
Don't lie. lying hurts people's feelings and never turns out quite how you want it to. Learn the difference between a fib and a lie, and stay away from both.
Go to college on a scholarship, work your ass off, even if you arent smart enough, do sports or vice versa. College isnt worth it if you have to pay for it, and me and your father aren't paying for your college. Sorry Charlie.
Live within your means. No one will be jealous of you for nice things when they are about to be repo'ed.Girls are going to act crazy. Don't make any decisions that will affect the rest of your life until you are sure where that life is going, and really, you can never be sure.
Use protection. In every aspect of life. Put on your seat belt, cover the raw chicken with foil, and condoms.
Nothing on reality Television is real. Cheerleaders don't look like that, no one is really that cool, and anyone can survive if put into the right situations.
Always act as if you are being videotaped.
Never ride anyone's coat tails, work your ass off and get there on your own merit. You are brilliant, lift your own wings and fly.
It is okay to question authority, in fact, question authority any time you feel that you are being slighted.
Life isnt fair. It never was, it never will be. There will always be someone better, faster, stronger. You do your best, and no one can say anything about it.
Be consistent. Be emotionally consistent, physically consistent, and spiritually consistent.
Set high expectations for yourself. When you reach those, set higher ones.
The most important thing I can teach you is how to work for what you want. If it is money, fame, power, whatever it is, you work your ass off until you can taste it. Don't let anyone hand you anything, you work for your benefit.
Family is the most important relationship you will ever have.
Batman is, and always will be, the best superhero.
Learn how to change your own oil, and repair a flat tire. This is a starting point, when you grow up and get married you will be expected to know how to fix the car.
On that note, learn how to swing a hammer. Honey-do lists are twice as intimidating if you have to first learn how to throw nails.
Treat your belongings with respect. When you rip up your favorite comic book, there is no one to blame but you. Respecting your belongings gives you the opportunity to buy new things, since you arent always replacing trashed items.
Dont do drugs. Anything beyond experimentation is going to hurt you in the long run.
Tattoos are permanent, and you can qualify to make permanent decisions when you reach the age of 18, have your own home, and have finished schooling required up until then. I support individuality, creativity and tattoos wholeheartedly, but you gotta know that things change.
Mom always knows best.
Sex isnt bad, or ugly, or wrong. It IS life changing and you should absolutely be ready to have a child in case something goes wrong. Practice safe sex, and know that you were no angel as a baby, so your children are bound to be just as difficult.
Save your money. There is always a rainy day, or an unexpected item that you may want to buy on a whim, Have the cash in the bank.
Dont hesitate to share your feelings.
When you hear someone older say "just wait, you will look back on this and laugh" its because we all did, and we all have.
Older does not necessarily mean smarter. Feel free to question credentials.
Learn to take criticsm. Some days you get it, some days you give it. Either way, do it with a smile.
Above all else, do all things with love, respect and dignity, but learn how to defend yourself when necessary.
What do you want to tell your (future) children? Is there something that your parents could have let you in on that would have helped out?
Like this? recommend it to your friends.
-
recommend
- recs 68
-
email
- sent 4
Comments (271)
All of those are great - we "enforce" the 'stick up for your family' in our household! If they don't have other people in their lives (as they get older), we hope (and pray) they'll always have each other...nothing like family if you ask me! Sorry, climbing down off my soapbox now...HAHA!!!
@steve_n_mary -
you aren't on a soapbox, I ASKED! I like my children to know that we have very high expectations for them. With three boys, I need all the help I can get.
Hmmm, assuming that I have kids at some point...
--If you're going through a toll, every once and while, pay for the person behind you. You just might make someone's day.
--Learn how to admit that you're wrong. You'd be surprised at how many people can't do that--and it hurts them, more than anyone else.
--Never date someone who throws past mistakes into your face. Additionally, don't be friends with someone like that, either.
...I could write more, but perhaps I'll write a post, myself. And link you, of course. :)
@Blue__Summer -
that would be awesome! Get on it you fabulous writer!
I remember this post, atleast some of it...I think you may have added more to it?!-- I printed it out and gave a copy to each of my children.
@ilsurvive -
that is so touching. I did rewrite alot of it, but I will probably be adding stuff for the next twenty years. I heart you Jamie.
@antisoccermom -
give yourself 5 stars as well.
Batman is the best, but I always had a certain affinity for El Kabong.
My grandfather used to tell me not to do anything in private that I would ashamed to be known publicly.
The same advice as the video tapes really, just a different century’s perspective.
All these things are great what you want to tell your children.
My parents did their best when I was a child and now I am adult there are still supporting me and always will do.
I suppose I would teach them lying is wrong and not nice, and will catch up with you one day.
I have given you five stars for this entry.
I wish my mom had taught me to punch people in the face. She told me to talk to people and go tell the teacher if I had a problem. I accomplished nothing by doing so.
Nice list
The only one I could think of that I don't think was covered was:
"Just because you think you know everything, doesn't mean you do. No one does. When someone older than you tells you something for your own good, doing the opposite is a pretty stupid way to prove you 'know better'."
And I would've passed that along to my Niece about 5-7 years ago. Because it's too late now, and I've grown tired of trying to pass on my wisdom to deaf and moronic ears. (Cold? Kinda, but she's too damn stubborn to realize people around her actually know what we're talking about.)
That's a great post! Thanks for stopping by. Most of my picture posts are protected, but every now and then I throw in one that's not! lol
If I had to tell my children something it would be that I love them. That love doesn't mean that I don't have to discipline them, or that they will always get their way, or that they will like me all the time, but that I will always do what I think is best FOR them, no matter what.
I like what you have wrote here. There are some things on that list I wish my parents had told me. Not 100% sure of the things that I would tell my kids...but a lot of the ones on this list would be some good ones to include. :) i guess i really agree with the 'credit cards are evil...' one. i wish someone woulda told me that BEFORE i got 2 of them at age 19...:-|
@sugarxane -
you try to talk it out, and when they dont stop, you nail em. right between the eyes! Thanks for coming by!
@nothingbeast -
I think it is a girl thing, young girls KNOW everything. I think that is a great addition to this list! Thanks!
@bethro78 -
Because you love them, you have to discipline them. You have to tell them no, sometimes.
Thanks for the addition!, I look forward to getting to know you!
@IfWallsCouldTalk21 -
oh man, well, sometimes you gotta have them, but usually it is just a prison sentence. Credit cards are the devil, for sho. Thanks for coming by sweetheart!
I starred you, I think. :)
Something my parents taught me. --never invite yourself ANYwhere. --the way the tell if a guy will be good to you is if he's nice to his mom and sister(s). --everything comes out in the wash. My dad said this when I lied about something and he found out weeks later. From then on, I've never lied. I hate liars
@jtreb_in_tx -
great additions! Everything comes out in the wash, for sure.
LOVE this post! Thanks for the pulse comment...yeah, the man never ceases to amaze me with his lack of...well, everything. LOL. Great screen name, btw...lol, completely on the same page with you there. ;)
I LOVE this! you are so right on with everything!!!!!
@Eponine2 -
Only a few more months, and it shouldnt take more than a few years, maybe ten or twenty, to clean up the mess that dillhole made. Thanks for subbing!
@thoughtsofmine_84 - thank you for coming by!
Hey, thanks for subbing. This is really great ~ I hope you don't mind if I snag it for my oldest daughter, who is 17 and a junior. There is a lot of wisdom here that I think she could benefit from. It helps that it is not written by me as well. Sometimes teenagers are amazed when other people actually say something that their parents have. (If that makes sense?)
Looking forward to getting to know you.
Thanks for stopping by and subscribing! My next post is an audio clip of my guitar playing which will post about 10 pm eastern time. Have a great weekend!
Not only do I not mind you subbing me, I'm subbing you back... and after reading this entire front page, I think you may be one of my new favorites. :) We definitely have alot in common....
This list is great, and I agree with every single thing... except the Batman thing.... Superman has all a super hero should... this is NOT a debate you want to get into with me. You won't win. :)
Welcome to my circle!!!