DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been feeling uneasy for quite some time now. I am the mother of an almost-4-year-old little girl. Toddlers grow up at the speed of light, as they say. My child is becoming more and more inquisitive these days, and I can't help but worry that in a few short years, she will have to make her own decisions. Despite thinking that I'm a good mother and having solid support from my loving husband, I can't help but wonder if my behavior truly models the ideals I want my child to grow up with. As a successful working woman, could you kindly share any essential knowledge or experiences you have gained along your journey that you think are crucial to help me process and establish rules for my child? -- Mom Advice
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DEAR MOM ADVICE: Relax. You will not do everything right, but you will do your best. While the months and years may seem to fly, life actually proceeds one day at a time. Your job as a mother is to teach your child how to be strong, kind, thoughtful, resourceful and a functioning member of your community. Show her how to live based on the choices that you make. Teach her to rely on herself as she grows up so that she values independence. At the same time, teach her how to engage with others in a respectful and effective way.
I have always worked. When my daughter was very young, I took her with me everywhere that I could. Since I was not able to be a stay-at-home mom, I chose to expose my daughter to the world of possibilities before her by showing her my life and the lives of my friends. I wanted her to know that a woman can do anything. You should decide what you want your child to know, and then make sure she sees that so she can believe it.