As a parent it is my job to spread acceptance, not to be seeking it. My children and their friends are not the source to which I should turn for affirmation. I will build better relationships with my kids and their friends if I am confident in myself than if I am twisting around to seek their approval.
This thought will probably be increasingly important as my kids turn into teens. As they and their friends mature physically they’ll start feeling more like peers whom I need to impress. Their opinions need to matter to me, but my own approval of myself should be the one that counts.
Very true! (Coming from a current teen.)
I know my friends love and respect my mother, and not because she goes out of her way to get their approval. They respect her because she is completely confident in what she does, and is willing to treat them like good friends, when they deserve that treatment. I know I have other friends whose parents give us too many liberties and treats, and as a group, we don’t respect them as much.
I hope that was what you were talking about. 🙂
It is very good to hear from a teen that my insights are probably correct. Thanks!