What I want for you

from a mother to a teenage daughter

by Trixie Asirvatham

As parents, we have many dreams and aspirations for our children. We want them to be good at everything they do, to make us proud of them, to listen to what we tell them to do. But they have their own individual spark and we must recognise this. In fact, we can learn from them!

Lert your children dream their own dreams and live their own lives... they will probably surpass anything that you have dreamt for them! They are individuals made in God's own image and they are unique. Teach them values, suggest possibilities, then step back and watch them bloom.

There's so much I want for you -
I want you to kow
the joy of living
The action and excitement
of games and fun,
The pleasure of singing
The rhythm of painting
The pride in playing the piano
As your fingers ripple over the keys...
The confidence of taking the stage in drama or debate...
The surge of swimming,
The urge to excel -
I want you to explore
all your hidden talents
And reveal them to the world,
So that, when it's time for you to choose a career
You'll feel the thrill of knowing
that you're doing what you love.

And if, because I want so much for you
I'm smothering you with too much "mothering",
Believe me, it's not my intention...
I have to step away from you, consciously,
And let you find your own pathway in the sky
Let you unfold your wings and fly
And when that happens,
No-one would be happier than I.