Advice from an average Mom.

When our children were young, I tackled parenting on a wing and a prayer. I showered them with love even when I didn't like them, disciplined them when I needed to and insisted on a few things: 

• Put God first.
• Know that you are loved.
• Read
• Think
• Believe in yourself.
• Love yourself and your siblings.
• Remember, right is right and wrong is wrong, there are no grey areas.
• You are only as good as your word.
• Just because it comes to mind, doesn't mean it needs to come to mouth.
• There are too many words in the English language to limit yourself to just a few.
• Seek advice from your parents not your peers, we have more experience and will always have your best interest at heart.
• Everyone makes mistakes, it's what you do after, that makes the difference.
• Be respectful to others even if they don't deserve it.
• Treat others the way you wish to be treated.
• Stand unwaveringly for what you believe in but be willing to hear the perspective of others.
• Verify every argument with at least 3 reputable sources.
• Laugh often, cry if you need to and know that we, your family, are always here for you.
• No matter what you do, do your best.
• Trust yourself, but when in doubt, call Dad.
• Remember your life is yours to live so live it in such a way that you can be proud of the person you see in the mirror. 

Now these individuals, our children, are adults, and though I know we raised them to the best of our abilities, if you buy into the argument of Nature vs Nurture it could go either way. The fact is, they are who they are and all we can do as parents is love them and cheer them on for as long as they need us to. Hopefully, that makes all the difference.

KEC
aka DV
12/11/2025