But more importantly,
We must raise do-gooders... Strong, compassionate, loving do-gooders.
We must raise our children to stand up for the little guys.
We must raise them to not be bullies but also not be pushovers.
We must teach them to listen... by listening to them.
We must teach them to speak up... by letting them be honest with us, even when it's not easy to hear.
We must teach them to spread sincere compliments like sprinkles... by truly complimenting them.
We must teach them to be helpers... by helping them when they need it, by taking them to places where they can help, charity events, churches, homeless shelters, etc
We must teach them to be encouragers... by not only encouraging them, but also others you encounter.
We must teach them to not measure their worth by what others think... by not comparing them or ourselves to classmates/co-workers/people/celebrities/etc around us.
We must teach them to take initiative... by showing them that they have the power to do things, they are smart enough, strong enough, bold enough...
We must raise them to be confident in who they are... by demonstrating confidence.
We have to teach them to get involved, to make a difference... by helping them choose something they are passionate about and getting them out there working towards it.
It's cool to find fault in every little thing, to not ever admit you like something. Is it because we are afraid to be embarrassed? Are we afraid to be vulnerable? Are we afraid of what others may think? Let's love more - openly, let's speak more kind words - to everyone, let's like what we like and not worry what anyone else thinks - ever. Our littles learn not only by doing, but also by what they see. What do they see in you?
None of are perfect, certainly not me, but we have to start somewhere. We have to start making changes where we can because, until we do, nothing will change.
Be a do-gooder... Raise a do-gooder... Make a generation of do-gooders.
to the moon and back,
