Not What, Who.

I so often hear parents talk to their kids about what they want to be when the grow up. They encourage them to be...

A scientist.
A ball player.
A fireman.

Excuse me while I shake my head.

Parents, you have it wrong. This isn't who they can be when they grow up. No, your child will never be a ball player. They might play ball, but that is not who they are.

It might seem like symantics, but who they are must be different, better, more than these doings. There are thousands, even millions who play ball. If all the child sets his or sights on being is a ball player that is a hollow and lowly goal that is sure to disapoint even if they are the "best" in their sport.

What differentiates them?

If instead they understand there is much more to being than what they "do" for work, this can give them satisfaction especially if they are taught who they are is enough.

Doing is good. We need to promote, teach and congratulate doing, especially doing well. But, being is where parenting has lost an opportunity to instill greatness.

Be authentic.
Be kind.
Be generous.
Be loving.

Be yourself.

It's good to be you. You are enough.