Typically, and for most people, their parents did the best they could. They raised their children with the tools they had available and made the best choices for their kids. Even if we didn’t always think so at the time, our parents were doing everything possible to be good to us. And to raise us to be good humans. However, there are some things they just never told us. Maybe now would be a good time to explain what some of those things are.
What Our Parents Never Told Us
1. They didn’t know all the answers.
While, yes, they may have acted like they knew what they were doing. But when it comes to how to be a good parent, the truth is a little different. No one is born with an instruction booklet or a manual on how to raise a kid. Everyone is literally winging it. Sure, there are books and videos, and a plethora of information at your fingertips on Google. But, none of it really prepares you for the responsibility and worries and concern and love that encompasses being a parent. Your parents made the best choices they could, based on the info they had at the time, and how they felt about a certain situation. Of course, they didn’t know all the answers. Likewise, if you become a parent, you won’t have all the answers either. And that’s okay too.
2. Step out of your comfort zone.
Our parents tried to keep us safe and happy. Oftentimes, that meant we couldn’t do the risky or crazy adventures that might be a little dangerous. Some of us became comfortable with that safety net of surety. In fact, a lot of us still prefer to stay within our comfort zone because it’s what we know- it’s what is safe to us. But if you ask your parents what they think, they will probably tell you to take the risk. Do the crazy things. Life is too short to stay within the box. You need to challenge yourself and be bold. That is real living.
3. Do things because you want to do them. Not because you have to do them.
One thing you might remember from childhood is doing chores. Washing the dishes, making your room, taking the trash out, doing laundry- it all had to be done. And you probably hated it, right? We know they were trying to teach us responsibility, and how to take pride in what we do. However, one thing they never really taught us is why wanting to do the chores was more important than having to do them. When you care about your home, the things you have, and how hard you worked to acquire those things, you want to take care of them. Sure, chores can be a hassle, but they’re actually a way to remind yourself how lucky you are to have the things you have.
4. They had bad days too.
We all have bad days. When we were kids, we expected our parents to always be strong, and to always have a cure or a remedy for any problem. But, the truth is, they had bad days too. In fact, they had some really really bad days. They did their best to try and hide it from us, but behind those bedroom doors, they cried, they struggled, and they had moments where they felt like everything was crashing down around them. Despite this, our parents always tried to be there for us. It’s important to remember that no one is perfect and we all are allowed to have bad days.
5. Write things down.
Even if you don’t think you will need to write it down, write it down. Your parents would have told you this one tip but they probably forgot. Because they didn’t write it down.
Read: Moms Offer Free Hugs at Pride Parade for Kids Whose Parents Rejected Them
6. The pain you caused them doesn’t make them love you any less.
Most children have caused their parents a little pain at some point in their life. It’s just a part of life. While that pain definitely hurt them, it did not make them love you any less. If there are some of you who may be doubting this truth, just ask your parents about it. They will be honest and let you know how much they love you.
7. Change is okay. Sometimes it’s for the best.
One thing we need to remember is that change is good. C. Joybell C. said, “You will find that it is necessary to let things go; simply for the reason that they are heavy.” While many of us were taught to never give up, never let go, the truth is simpler than that. If you need to let go, if you need a change, do it and go for it. The reward far outweighs the risk.
8. Believe it or not, letting you go was hard for them.
Our parents never wanted to let go, but as we just learned, it is usually for the best. We would never have been able to grow on our own and become independent beings without the lessons they gave us. When we left the nest, it was painful for them, even though they probably made it seem like they wanted us to leave, they didn’t. It was just the right thing to do in order for us to grow into our next stage of adulthood.
9. They would do it all over again without a second thought.
Without even thinking about it, they would do it all over again. The good times, the bad times, all of it made you who you are today. And it made them who they are. Each lesson was valuable, and each moment was a heart-touching page in the book of ‘you.’
Keep Reading: The Benefits of Having a ‘Venting Buddy’
Sources:
- “41 Best Quotes About Change to Help You Move Through Life’s Curveballs.” Country Living. April 1, 2021
- “30 Lessons My Parents Didn’t Teach Me.” No Meat Athlete. November 6, 2019
- “5 important brutal truths your parents probably didn’t tell you growing up.” Ladders. Anthony Moore. April 14, 2020
