Are your kids happy?

There is nothing more that I want, than to have happy kids.  I don’t want them to feel happy because I buy them the coolest clothes, the latest cell phones or because I let them do whatever they want.  I want them to feel happy because they believe in themselves and know that there is nothing that they cannot do in life.  I want them to feel happy, because they have the confidence to stand against what they know is wrong and  the courage to fight for what’s right.  I want them to feel happy, because they know that they have parents who love them and will always be there no matter what. 

My children have crossed into the realm of Junior High and High School.  A place where they will experience memories that last a lifetime and temptations that can bring them down a troubled road.  I believe that this is one of the most important times in a child’s life; where they need the love, discipline and encouragement that all parents should offer. Our kids don’t need us to be the coolest parent’s on the block, they just need us to be parents.  There are many things we do to upset our children, but that’s OK.  We’ve all heard our kids say, “You always say no.”  “It’s just twenty dollars.”  “Everybody else get’s to do it, why can’t I."   There are times when I feel bad for saying no, but these are the times when I need to say no.  I don’t want them to think of me as an ATM, who just pumps out money at will and I am sure you don’t want to feel that way either. So we need to teach our children lessons filled with morals and values that will have an impact on their lives.  They might not see it now because the latest $400 gadget, has taken over the reasoning section of their mind, but eventually it will sink in and they will understand and thank you in the long run.

On the flip side, if you let your children wonder aimlessly, the connection you share between each other gets lost in a world of confusion, disappointment and under achievement.  This is why you should take the time to get involved in your child’s life.  If you don’t want to lose them, keep them close.  Give them rules and guidelines to follow.  Help build them into confident, happy kids by getting them involved in sports and other activities, requiring that they perform their best in school, assisting with chores around the house and by giving back to the word they take so much from. 

A friend of my son said the other day, “Why should I try, my parents don’t care.”  When I heard that, it made me sad.  A child should never have to speak those words.  Take the time to talk to your child.  Ask them if they are happy.  Children are the most special gift we can give to this world.  It’s up to us as parents to do the world a favor and give them everything necessary to reach their potential.  by doing this, they become a happy, productive member of society, instead of becoming a burden on society.  The happiness our children experience depends on what we do as parent’s today.  If we give them the encouragement, love and discipline they need now; we give them a future filled with endless possibilities.