7 things I want my child to know (above all else)

Last week I was approached for advice for a mum who is terminally ill and leaving this earth soon and wants to leave her children with the most meaningful gifts.

The last 12 years for me have been a roller coaster of striving towards my dreams whilst healing childhood wounds. And the gap between who I was and who I wanted to be was ocean-wide.  

So when I was asked this question, I knew the answer instantly, because of what I’ve been working on within myself and because of wanting a different story for my own children. It is the deep understanding I now have that informs every single moment of my parenting. 

We get so busy in our day-to-day lives that we can lose focus on what matters to us most. These serve as a daily reminder for me. And I want to share them with you.  

The 7 things I want my child (and every child) to know and more importantly BELIEVE, are: 

1. I accept you for exactly who you are.

2. I love you regardless of what you say or do. I don't always LIKE what you say and do and I make that clear. :) 

3. Your voice matters in our family.

4. ALL of your emotions are valid and welcome.

5. I’m proud of you just for being you (not just for your achievements and accolades). I don’t want you to make me proud. I want you to make YOU proud. 

6. I’m not perfect, I’m still growing and healing every day. But that’s my responsibility, not yours. It’s not your job to take care of my feelings. 

7. You can trust me. 

I shared 2, 3, 5, and 6 for this mum to record in a video for her children.  

What would you add here? 

Much love, 

Dina