You want your kids to be great. You want them to fulfill their potential. You want them to be somebody, to do something.
How do you do it? Show parents and sports parents and tiger parents have beaten one path. They use pressure. They use force. They use expectations and criticism and control. Sometimes it works, to be sure, but many times it doesn’t. And even when it does, it comes at a cost.
William Martin has a beautiful little poem that points to another path. It’s worth printing here in full.
Do not ask your children
to strive for extraordinary lives.
Such striving may seem admirable,
but it is the way of foolishness.
Help them instead to find the wonder
and the marvel of an ordinary life.
Show them the joy of tasting
Tomatoes, apples and pears.
Show them how to cry
when pets and people die.
Show them the infinite pleasure
in the touch of a hand.
And make the ordinary come alive for them.
The extraordinary will take care of itself.
That line is worth repeating again, and turning into a parenting mantra: “The extraordinary will take care of itself.” Show them a good life. Show them the wonderful, ordinary parts of the world. The extraordinary will take care of itself.
—This newsletter is brought to you by Renewal by Andersen®
Don’t Let the Cold Sneak In – Time to Upgrade Your Windows and Doors
Prepare your home for winter with Renewal by Andersen® premium windows and doors. Our energy-efficient products not only enhance your home’s curb appeal but lock in warmth and reduce energy consumption all year long. For a limited time, you’ll save $400 per window and $850 per door. With expert installation and a limited warranty, your investment will provide peace of mind and savings for years to come. Act now, before the cold sets in—schedule your free consultation today and see how much you can save on energy bills this season. Lock In Your Savings NOW!
