Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Reach for the Stars….. Even if You Fall (Flat on your Face)

On the 4th of July, my husband took a picture of my daughter against a backdrop of  fireworks exploding in the sky.   Due to the perspective of the photo, it almost looks as though she is in the sky, with all of the fireworks and the stars within her grasp. And, I thought….. this picture would be a great for an inspirational poster.  Then, I started thinking about how children are taught to reach for the stars.  In other words, they should have lofty goals.  


But, the problem with aiming high is sometimes we fail.  I can think of times when I was determined to make the varsity soccer team as a sophomore and then I didn’t.  Or I had my heart set on a job but didn’t get it.  It was disappointing but I’m still glad I tried out for the team and applied for the job.  As parents, we can teach our kids to reach for the stars...but also let them know, they might fall flat….. on their face.


I’m aware of my kids' strengths and weaknesses.  Yet, as of now, they have their entire life in front of them.  My two-year-old has a pretty mean baseball pitch and my daughter can ride a skateboard well.  Are they going to be professional athletes?  I have no idea. Statistics  tell me it’s unlikely.   However, at this point in their lives, I’m letting them reach for the stars.  And, if they fall down, I’ll be there to brush the dirt off their hands, wipe the tears from their cheeks and tell them to get back out there!


8 comments :

  1. Yes, aiming high and failing is a necessary part of life. Unfortunately, too many parents don't understand that. (And, that's why when their kids are 30-somethings, those kids have no jobs and are still sucking money off their 'rents.) Anyway, thanks for the reminder!

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  2. Excellent article! Parenting is such a difficult job.

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  3. Hi Melissa, I have been thinking a lot about how young people handle disappointment so I was excited to read your post. I totally agree that we should encourage them to shoot for the stars and then be prepared to support them if they fall a little short. Each time they try it's a great learning opportunity for the kids and the adults. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thanks Jodi. It can be hard to see them disappointed, but a necessary part of life.

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