The Resilient Mind

She said, “Daddy, you ignored me…” What I heard, in my heightened emotional state, was “Daddy, you annoy me.” Without fully understanding her intentions, I scolded her, making it clear that she couldn’t talk to people in just any way she pleased. It was only later, when my son informed me of what she had actually said, that I realized the extent of the damage I had caused. By then, it was too late, and tears began rolling slowly down her cheeks, betraying the hurt I had inflicted upon her.

If anyone knows my daughter, they would understand how sweet and innocent she is. In that moment, I should have paused and evaluated the situation before allowing my emotions to get the best of me. Knowing my baby, I should have realized that she would never say anything but loving things to me, as she always does…and I mean ALWAYS!

I cannot speak for all dads, but personally, I don’t get to spend much personal time with my kids. Our schedules conflict, and there are various other factors that limit our time together. So, when we do have the chance to be together, it’s usually after days of battling through life’s struggles, enduring stressful workdays, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the weight of the world. In those moments, patience can be at an all-time low.

However, it is crucial for us to be mindful of these circumstances. Our kids see us as heroes, no matter the circumstances of our lives. It is important for us to show up with that superhero mindset, not just for their physical protection, but also for their emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. If we can remember this, and be mindful of our actions and reactions, we can avoid the disappointment and hurt that my baby had to experience.

Encouragement, patience, and good situational awareness are key when dealing with our children. It is important to understand and appreciate their innocence and purity. Let us learn from my mistake and strive to be the heroes our children already believe us to be. When we take the time to truly comprehend their words and emotions, we can build trust and strengthen the bond we share with them. Let’s be present, understanding, and mindful of our words and actions, so that we never have to witness the heartbreak on our children’s faces again.

In conclusion, being a parent is a challenging task, but it is also one of the most rewarding roles we can have. Let’s cherish the moments we have with our children and make every effort to be the best versions of ourselves for them. They look up to us, trust us, and love us unconditionally. As parents, it is our responsibility to reciprocate that love and care, ensuring our actions always align with their perception of us as superheroes. So, let us continuously reflect, learn, and grow, so that we can offer them the love, support, and understanding they need to thrive in this world.