Parents can provide their children with values, morals, and guidelines, but there is only so much they can do to protect them from the vagaries of life. While we all want the best for our kids, attempts to force them in a direction they reject can easily lead to negative consequences. Besides the resentment and rebellion likely to occur, they may lose their sense of autonomy and find themselves rudderless.
Neal Ritter, the author of “Truth Beyond Words,” introduces a woman who feels unfulfilled in the life she has created. She has enjoyed a perfect childhood and a great high school experience and is now in a reasonably satisfactory marriage. Though everything in her life seems to come from a storybook, she can’t come to terms with a troublesome feeling that continues to gnaw at her. During psychotherapy, she begins to learn how her habitual ways of thinking interfere with her sense of satisfaction with life. She is surprised to discover how well-intentioned parental efforts to guide her led her to feel controlled and dissatisfied with her life choices.
Let’s discuss why it is important for children to stand by their dreams.
Developing Identity and Purpose
When children are allowed to follow their dreams, they can explore their unique interests and passions. The freedom they are allowed helps them develop a sense of identity and purpose while fostering their personal growth and well-being.
Children who are encouraged to pursue their dreams are more likely to have a strong sense of self and a clear direction in life. Rather than waiting for someone else to tell them what to do, they will enjoy opportunities to develop confidence and competence.
Building Self-Confidence
Pursuing one’s dreams can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. When children are allowed to follow their dreams, they learn that they have the power to achieve their goals and overcome obstacles. By exploring life’s options without a heavy guiding hand, they come to believe in their own abilities. Consequently, they are likely to become self-reliant and resilient adults who can make better decisions while dealing with the inevitable stresses of life.
Pursuing a Fulfilling Life Path
When children are encouraged to follow their dreams, they have the freedom to pursue a career or life path that is personally meaningful. In the long run, they will likely experience greater happiness and satisfaction in life.
Fostering Creativity and Innovation
Allowing children to pursue their own dreams encourages them to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to problems. The freedom that they are allowed fosters innovation and can lead to discoveries and advancements. Children who are not forced into a cookie-cutter mold develop a sense of autonomy. They are able to take charge of their lives and demonstrate confidence in their abilities. They typically show resilience in the face of frustrations and temporary failure.
Children who believe in themselves and their dreams do not constantly seek external validation.
Neal Ritter’s book Truth Beyond Words delves deeper into this topic by discussing the therapy experiences of different individuals and highlights the raw and honest form of human nature.
