Just like as my son is not perfect. I don't look at Riley as if he's the greatest kid in the world. He is not. I look at him as a kid with all the possibilities. I don't force him into liking things. For example, he doesn't like writing. He loves drawing. So I encourage him to draw more. I regulate, I don't dictate. I teach him to learn, not to be number 1. I don't want him to be the best. I just want the best of him. There's a difference. If "his best" happens to be "the best", then I will be proud of him. If not, I will be proud of him just the same. In the world full of over achievers, I just like my son to be happy in his life.
My nephew Nyle asks me what if Riley turns gay, and I answer him immediately that it's ok. I will accept whatever becomes of Riley. Yeah, you can say I am a "konsintidor" mother. But I only consent when I see Riley having fun and safe. That's why I stop having our school time here in our house. He always wants to play. So I let him be. And it fascinates me that despite not teaching him anymore, he knows the alphabets, the numbers, how to count, and how to read few words. That's why I firmly believe, every child possess inner intelligence. We just have to nurture and not to pressure.
As a parent, we all want what's best for our kids. But it is not our call to control and judge them. We are here to guide and accept and love our children. They have their own lives to live, own mistakes to commit, and own decisions to make. That's my promise to you Riley. I will be here when you need me. And I will be here when you don't. You will fall and tumble and slip but I will still love you despite your imperfections. Always.
