Parenting mistake

  Omgosh, "MiMi" is admitting she made a parenting mistake? Well DUH!
Let me just get this declaration out of the way; every parent messes up their child or children in some way. We have all heard of the phase, "parenting doesn't come with an instruction manual." Well, it doesn't.  If you are strict, you may have rebellion. If you aren't strict, you may have rebellion. 


  So what mistake am I admitting?  I admit that I have put a "lid" on my children.  By the way, the inspiration to for this blog came from a chapter in the book, "Act like a success, think like a success" by Steve Harvey. When I read the chapter I realized I was extremely guilty.  I am taking ownership for a mistake that I realize has hindered my children.  Let me tell you, not even halfway through this blog, I feel liberated just by admitting this. 

Growing up in West Virginia although with parents who always worked very hard, I still was considered poor by many.  Don't get me wrong, I had clothes, shoes, a home, etc.  I always appreciated everything I had despite being jealous of others and what they had.  I just accepted that I would never have those things.  I accepted the fact that their families were better than mine.  YES I KNOW THAT'S NOT TRUE, but to a child, it certainly can seem that way.

I was often intimidated by those more fortunate than I was.  I felt I never had anything in common with them, I mean I couldn't talk to them about my Nike shoes.  I never owed any until I was much older.  So I stayed away and stuck to those who were like me.

So when I made the decision at 18 to not accept the scholarship I was offered in order to be a wife, I felt content because that was my normal. 

Unfortunately I also raised my children the same way with some good and not so good exceptions.

I always wanted my children to exceed my accomplishments so that is why I never gave them an option about attending college.  They knew that was what their natural progression would be when they finished high school.  Call me forceful, Idc.  I feel a person cannot change without being challenged.    I always wanted my children to have certain things I did not have so yes I did buy them the Nike shoes, the high end make up, the ridiculously expensive private cheerleading lessons. Yes, there are good things about that, and there are also bad which I will not get into this time. 

What I did do which I KNOW was wrong was tell them that people who had rich parents, people who had better jobs, etc. were different than they were and to be careful.

WOW! Yes that sounds even worse when I write it down.  What I have learned is that who we surround ourselves by will dictate  a lot about who we are both now and in our future.  If you want better, you have to do better.  You have to hang out with people who are where you want to be. 

You have to prove to YOURSELF, that you are no different.  They have invaluable lessons they can teach you just by being around them.  We cannot allow fear of rejection to hinder us from becoming what we inspire to be.  So if you look to your left and look to your right and those around you are not where you want to be, start walking and don't look back.  

Weather

     I do about you guys but I'm already dreading winter. I have already been sick twice.  I'm praying I can get well so I can drive the mile to our local Walgreens to get my flu shot. I'll save the vaccine argument for another entry but folks get your flu shot.  Sup bugs are on the rise and some of this stuff is deadly.

      I haven't been able to get to the gym this week and that doesn't make a happy me. So if you're in a praying mood, say one for me.