One of my favorite quotes from Mister Rogers is:
As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has – or ever will have – something inside that is unique to all time. It’s our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression.
What Mister Rogers described as “our job in life” is very interesting. As I reflect on that statement, it reminds me of my mom, Virginia. Ever since I can remember, she seemed to innately understand that our purpose is to serve others to help them see their value and uniqueness. She raised four children that way. It was her “job in life” and she took it very seriously.
Now to do that requires a choice to either serve herself or her children, as you can’t serve both. No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. As a parent myself now, I can appreciate that more than ever.
Over the past year, my mom has been writing a book. In honor of her on Mother’s Day, I wanted to share this excerpt with her answer to the question, “What is your best advice when it comes to raising children?“
My husband and I raised our 4 children by setting examples of how we wanted our children to be as they developed. In raising our children, we felt building their self-esteem depended on how we showed them respect, positive behavior and attitude. Also, we knew how important it was for us to show them understanding towards their feelings and show them love through our actions. We hoped that our habits and behavior would build their character traits as they experienced the stages of growing up. Keeping them safe, healthy and happy was our purpose as parents. Loving them unconditionally and allowing them to test their boundaries and our patience was necessary. After all, we made mistakes growing up and it’s only fitting that our children should make mistakes. It’s a way we learn, whether a child, a teen or an adult.
Virginia Casciani
Well said, Mom. Thank you for setting a good example. Thank you for owning your “job in life.”
I love you and am so grateful you’re my mom.
MindWolves 