Dreamers breed dreamers.
My husband is a dreamer of the giant, “I want to change the world” type of dreams.
My dreams aren’t as earth shattering, but to me, they’re compelling nonetheless.
We’ve spent our nearly 30 years of marriage discussing, dissecting, and disseminating our dreams.
The result?
A house full of young dreamer wannabees.
My kids are extraordinary and exciting dreamers.
Dreamers of big, bold dreams.
So, as a good parent, how do I help them to harness those dreams?
How do I help them sort through their desires in order to find what truly, deeply, passionately drives their lives?
I think the answer is found in providing my children with a sumptuous dream smorgasbord.
Instead of locking them into a heart-felt, but immaturely developed first dream, I need to provide them limitless opportunities and avenues to experiment and experience the reality of their countless dreams.
It’s tempting, sometimes, to want them to live out specific dreams.
It would be great for my ego to see them reach certain goals.
Some of their dreams would draw an audience, or build a resume, or provide me with a lifestyle I’ve yet to become accustomed to… But none of those are good enough reasons to lock my children into permanently pursuing a childish dream that ought to disappear with time.
Don’t get me wrong…
I’m thrilled they are dreamers.
But unlike me, the road before them is still overflowing with opportunities. For me to assume that today’s dream is tomorrow’s goal is to handicap them and keep them from freely pursuing their future.
I can help them recognize what’s a “keeper dream,” from a “passing whimsy,” by providing them countless resources and opportunities to “try things out.”
When they can experiment, with no expectation of permanence, they are free to grow and develop their unique passions and strengths.
Like me, my children have to learn to distinguish between their desires and their dreams.
Like me, they must recognize the outward focused power of true dreams; as opposed to the inward focused pampering of personal desires.
When I am too personally attached to their “dream,” I can confuse the issue for them. I can urge them into self-centered pursuits through my pushing and pride.
Instead, I need to be an excited bystander.
One who asks good questions, encourages good effort, and allows for experimentation and failure.
Do your kids dream?
Help them to pursue ALL of their dreams while they are young! As they grow, you’ll see the true dreams, the passionate pursuits, grow and develop, while the passing fancies fall by the wayside.
Above all… Let their dreams belong to them!
Dream your own dreams.
Share the joy of dreaming.
And, watch your home blossom with a new generation of dream-loving dreamers.
Keep dreaming,
Megan
Are you providing a smorgasbord of dream-building opportunities? What must you do to make that a reality?
Megan Scheibner 