When dining out, I often wonder how waitstaff perceive us. “I want a cheeseburger and fries,” my six-year-old declares. “Tell him yourself,” I encourage, gesturing towards the waiter, who seems torn between finding it adorable and being utterly annoyed. “And be polite!”
With a deep breath, my son replies, “I’ll take a cheeseburger and fries, please. With ketchup. And a Sprite.” All my children, including my four-year-old, place their own orders. This isn’t just about cuteness; it’s about teaching them to advocate for themselves.
It’s a small step, but necessary. As they venture beyond the protective bubble of home, it’s vital they learn to navigate the world on their own. Society often critiques Millennials for relying too heavily on their parents—calling professors about grades, needing parental support during job interviews, or even needing guidance to change their smartphone plans. This trend needs to shift, and it starts with how we raise our kids.
This is why I encourage my children to make their own requests, whether it’s ordering food or asking for playdates. They first check with me, but then it’s their responsibility to approach other parents. They ask nicely, stand tall, and accept “no” gracefully, often coming prepared with alternative options. They’re learning to engage with people directly, whether it’s about fishing lures in a store or asking the cashier about prices.
In a previous generation, we handled our own academic concerns; parents weren’t involved unless absolutely necessary. I want my kids to experience this independence too. I come from a family of educators and know how often they have to call parents about minor issues. This should not be the norm. Kids must learn to face their challenges without relying on parental intervention.
When they buy their own toys, they do so with their own money, diligently counting their change while I stand back and resist the urge to rush them. They handle their own library books and even scan items at self-checkout. And when it comes to communicating with adults, I hope they can do so confidently and independently, without any prompting from me.
Ultimately, my goal is for my children to manage their lives as they grow, preparing them for the realities of adulthood. For more on parenting techniques and home insemination, check out our post on the artificial insemination kit, or learn more about your options through the impregnator at home insemination kit. If you’re looking for support related to fertility, this resource for female infertility is an excellent place to start.
In summary, encouraging children to speak for themselves fosters independence and confidence, essential traits for navigating adulthood successfully. Let’s help our kids step out into the world ready to handle their own affairs.
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