Many have asked Stacey and I about how Jessie was so caring and thought about others so much. First, let me make sure you realize Jessie was a normal 12 year old girl and had great joy in competing with her little bro and big sis. In no means was she perfect. Non of us are. I’m the farthest from it. Second, we are not model parents and have had our share of struggles over the 16 years we have been parents. Third, there is no magic method or cookie-cutter approach to parenting. Some days you feel like you are making progress and others you feel like you are slipping back. It’s always three steps forward…2 steps back.
However, we have tried to live be a few basic principles that may help shed some light. You could call these Parenting 1-2-5. Stacey and I realize that we have ONE shot at parenting. You don’t get to hit the rewind button, which motivates us to try to make the most out of every day. This has become even more important now. We can’t take life for granted. Looking back, I have from time and time and those selfish moments haunt me now.
Stacey and I also have set TWO goals as parents.
1) First, that our kids leave the house when they grow up with “confidence”. Confidence in themselves and who God has made them. So may people compare themselves with others rather than being true to who they are.
2) Second, that our kids leave the house with “compassion” for others. Compassion is all about helping people in need. Jessie did this in amazing ways.
Finally, to help make sure these two goals get supported we have FIVE values that help us.
1) Faith…Love God.
2) Family…Love Each Other.
3) Fun…Love to laugh.
4) Friends…Love others.
5) Fitness…Love your body.
We feel these five will help our kids “live with” and “leave with” confidence & compassion so we can make the most out of the one shot we have. Our hope is our home and our goals helped Jessie but to us she was doing what God calls us all to do…love others in need.
How do you parent? What are you goals? What are your values? We would love to learn from you too.
NEGU,
Erik