How many mistakes are you allowed? How loud are your mistakes allowed to be? What will your mother say?
Millennials as mothers grew up with the wrong notion that mistakes aren't allowed, mistakes are a result of a character defect, mistakes should be hidden etc.
I DO NOT want to raise my children that way. I am a 30 something adult unlearning that mistakes are bad, make me bad, just bad.
The mindset I want is growth. Nobody is perfect. If you are religious this notion is in the bible. We are sinners, and God still loves us. Guides us. Maybe asks better of us in our own reflections.
We are constantly learning lessons but then also applying those lessons. This is something no generation before us has done.
Millennial Mothers are breaking this cycle; we are focusing on emotions, generally happy kids. Less focus on grades, athletic ability, outward appearances.
Our kids will view mistakes as learning opportunities and not reflective of their worth or character and that is the most powerful thing I have heard.
I want to ask you to sit and reflect on your definition of mistake. Then I want you to envision how you would define mistake to your child; imagine a mistake he or she could make and consider how you would react, what you might say or do.
Now switch out your child and see yourself as a child. See the mistake and give yourself the grace and understanding and healthy emotion regulation you didn't get but you are actively fostering in your children every day.
Give yourself some peace mama.
Millennials make mistakes, and that isn't a bad thing.
Go make your next mistake :)
