This little booklet is my recent source of inspiration for parenting my two children. On Sundays I enjoy reading the next entry of wisdom and reflect on its words. This particular one is not only important in the way I treat my children but also in the way I treat myself. I have always felt compared to other people and compare my self to others and measure my success based on the comparison.
As I am discovering and building my life, my creativity, my priorities, my strengths and weaknesses, I have moments of contentment and acceptance. Knowing how hard and even discouraging comparing oneself to others can be I hope I can help my children find a healthy balance in life, and helping them discover who they are and want to be. As the words below so truly state the most important part I can do for them is to be happy and content myself! Children learn from what they see and feel, and how their role models live their lives.
Happiness is Contagious
If you always compare your children's abilities
to those great athletes, entertainers, and celebrities,
they will lose their own power.
If you urge them to acquire and achieve,
they will learn to cheat and steal
to meet your expectations.
Encourage your children's deepest joys,
not their superficial desires.
Praise their patience,
not their ambition.
Do not value the distractions and diversions
that masquerade as success.
They will learn to hear their own voice
instead of the noise of the crowd.
If you teach them to achieve
they will never be content.
If you teach them contentment,
they will naturally achieve everything.
* We all want our children to be happy.
Somehow, some way today
show them something that makes you happy,
something you truly enjoy.
Your own happiness is contagious.
They learn the art from you.
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