Life Is Not Always Fair

When my son expresses that something isn’t fair, I take the opportunity to explain the reality of life. “Life isn’t fair; you can’t always have what you want.” For instance, if he feels it’s unjust that he only got thirty minutes of tablet time before dinner, I remind him of the children who don’t have access to a tablet, or even enough food to eat.

When he complains about his sister entering his room without knocking, I highlight that many kids don’t even have their own rooms.

Disappointment Is a Part of Growth

Experiencing setbacks—whether failing a test, losing a game, or facing rejection—teaches resilience. Learning how to rebound from disappointments fosters the ability to persevere.

Boredom Has Its Advantages

I’m not the type of parent who fills every moment with structured activities. While keeping kids busy may stave off boredom, I prefer to allow my children space to think and create. Boredom can spark imagination and self-entertainment.

When they start asking for screen time, I engage them in household chores like emptying the dishwasher or watering plants. These tasks may lead them to rediscover forgotten books or games, turning boredom into a productive opportunity.

Waiting is a part of life, and learning patience is invaluable.

Treat Others as You Wish to Be Treated

Teaching respect and empathy is crucial. “You wouldn’t like it if they did that to you,” is my go-to phrase during sibling disputes.

When my son argues that his sister started it, I remind him that “two wrongs don’t make a right.” I encourage him to be a positive role model for his younger sister, promoting kindness and cooperation instead of conflict.

Section 2.1: Learning to Compromise

I can sense when minor squabbles are about to escalate—often beginning with something trivial. Instead of intervening immediately, I let them navigate these moments, teaching them the importance of tolerance.

Is this worth arguing about, or can they simply let it go?

Section 2.2: Control Your Reactions

Life will present challenges we can’t change. What matters is how we react to them.

When my son reacts with intense frustration, I encourage him to consider alternative ways to express his feelings, helping him develop essential communication skills.

Section 2.3: Embracing Mistakes

Making mistakes is part of being human. It’s through errors that we grow and improve. I encourage my son to double-check his homework, emphasizing that mistakes are opportunities for learning.

Losing Is Part of the Game

I believe in teaching my children the value of earning their victories. Winning feels much more rewarding when achieved through effort.

Even in simple games, I don’t ensure everyone wins; feeling the sting of defeat can motivate them to try harder next time. Ultimately, it’s about enjoying the experience and the connections built with family and friends.

Overcoming Challenges Builds Strength

Facing fears or stepping out of comfort zones can be daunting, but it’s essential for growth. Tackling difficult tasks fosters a sense of accomplishment.

Section 2.4: Teaching Financial Responsibility

We began giving our son an allowance at age seven to teach him about saving. Allowing him to manage his own money helps him understand costs and value.

If he chooses to spend his pocket money on something he might soon tire of, that’s a lesson learned early on, preventing more significant mistakes later in life.

While my advice may not always resonate with my young children now, I hope these hard-won lessons will resonate with them as they grow. Perhaps one day, they’ll reflect on my wisdom, echoing my words to their own children and thinking, “Wow, I sound just like my mom!”