Yesterday I came across a great article in the New York Times written by Jane Brody entitled, Embracing Children For Who They Are.” In the article she wrote:
“The goal of parenting should be to raise children with a healthy self-image and self-esteem, ingredients vital to success in school and life. That means accepting children the way they are born — gay or straight, athletic or cerebral, gentle or tough, highly intelligent or less so, scrawny or chubby, shy or outgoing, good eaters or picky ones.”
Within the article, she interviews Mr. Schwartz, a national correspondent for The New York Times. He recently wrote a book called, “Oddly Normal: One Family’s Struggle to Help Their Teenage Son Come to Terms With His Sexuality” (Gotham Books). He was quoted in the article:
“You want your children to achieve and be comfortable with who they are. You should advocate for them and help them develop the skills to advocate for themselves. But parents shouldn’t try to mold their children. When you expect your kids to fit into a mold, especially a mold of your own making, you’ll be disappointed.”
Parenting is a very difficult job and it can be fun, wonderful and enriching as so many of my parents talk about in my office. How do you embrace your child for who they are even if they are not what you expected? Take the time if you can and read the full article using the link below to find out what they had to say.
Source: New York Times
