This week, I had the honor of celebrating my friend’s twin daughters and all of their successes. Although they graduated from college about two years ago, my friend realized their career and educational accomplishments needed to be recognized and celebrated.
She hosted a Black Girls Rock-themed surprise party in their honor, and it was nothing short of amazing. From the red carpet and images of her daughters to the display stand showcasing degrees, internship opportunities, acknowledgements and acceptance letters, it all reminded me of how important praise is for our children. Her daughters teared up as they entered the party, surprised by all the work their mom had put into celebrating them. It was a beautiful sight to behold.
Praise is one of those things we can sometimes forget as parents. With so much negativity in the world, it’s crucial that we encourage our children with positivity and possibility. We must enlighten them on what’s beyond what they can only see in front of them. They need to know there aren’t any limits to their potential.
It seems so easy for some to get caught up in their immediate world or lose hope. Our children’s success must be our priority. They need to know what’s possible. Do they know that a Flavorist is a real job title they can pursue or that they could really travel to a place called Christmas Island? Beyond their world, again, are so many possibilities. But we have to be the ones to share it with them.
Again, it begins with us as parents. Building them up with words of affirmation and encouragement needs to happen daily. We have so much power when it comes to helping shape our children’s futures. Our words and actions carry so much weight. There is almost nothing better than seeing a child rise up to meet our high expectations.
In order for them to do that, however, we have to set them in place. Our young folks need to know we trust them and believe in them. If your child thinks you believe they can do it, they’ll do it more often than not.
My friend’s celebration of her daughters touched every heart in that place. It made the majority of us recognize that our children deserve this type of honor.
I love the idea of celebrating our children. Our babies need to hear us brag on them every so often. They need to witness the pride we feel when we talk about them. We have to show them how hard they work matters to us.
Parents are their children’s first cheerleaders. What we say about them and to them is what they begin to believe about themselves.
I challenge every parent reading this post to spend some time celebrating your children. Let the world see just how proud you truly are. Whether it’s good grades, a graduation or scoring the winning point, shout if from the rooftop and celebrate.
BMWK, how have you celebrated your children?