Parenting teenagers is hard. 14 can be painful, for us and for him. It’s a time of self discovery, learning the ways of the world, figuring things out. The challenges are bigger, the lessons stronger, the disappointments more painful. I am thankful for who he is, and all that he’s learning. I’m thankful he doesn’t take everything at face value, that he soaks it all in and forms his own valuable opinions. His views and opinions can be vastly different than many his age, because he’s been through a lot in his first 14 years. I’m proud that he stands up for what he believes, that he embraces his differences, even when it’s difficult. I heard this on the radio the other day and it caught my ear. This is a tall order for a teacher in our time, as they rarely tend to focus on a wider scope of real life learning. I am posting this as a reminder to myself, that we, his parents, are his first teachers. What follows, is a big part of our task at hand.
He will have to learn, I know,
that all men are not just,
all men are not true.
But teach him also that
for every scoundrel there is a hero;
that for every selfish Politician,
there is a dedicated leader…
Teach him for every enemy there is a friend,
Steer him away from envy,
if you can,
teach him the secret of
quiet laughter.
Let him learn early that
the bullies are the easiest to lick…
Teach him, if you can,
the wonder of books…
But also give him quiet time
to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky,
bees in the sun,
and the flowers on a green hillside.
In the school teach him
it is far honourable to fail
than to cheat…
Teach him to have faith
in his own ideas,
even if everyone tells him
they are wrong…
Teach him to be gentle
with gentle people,
and tough with the tough.
Try to give my son
the strength not to follow the crowd
when everyone is getting on the band wagon…
Teach him to listen to all men…
but teach him also to filter
all he hears on a screen of truth,
and take only the good
that comes through.
Teach him if you can,
how to laugh when he is sad…
Teach him there is no shame in tears,
Teach him to scoff at cynics
and to beware of too much sweetness…
Teach him to sell his brawn
and brain to the highest bidders
but never to put a price-tag
on his heart and soul.
Teach him to close his ears
to a howling mob
and to stand and fight
if he thinks he’s right.
Treat him gently,
but do not cuddle him,
because only the test
of fire makes fine steel.
Let him have the courage
to be impatient…
let him have the patience to be brave.
Teach him always
to have sublime faith in himself,
because then he will have
sublime faith in mankind.
This is a big order,
but see what you can do…
He is such a fine little fellow,
my son!
~ Abraham Lincoln
[ There seems to be some debate as to whether Abraham Lincoln actually wrote this or not. I thought it was beautiful and well timed, no matter who wrote it. ]
Wow this is truly something that has touched my heArt. Something I want to print out and read again. Thanks!
Awesome! Thanks so much for sharing.
What a beautiful text!
My daughter is almost 14 and I can totally relate to your post!
Thanks for sharing your family life in such a true and real way!
WOW…isn’t even enough…wish all young men could be offered this statement…Thank You both for doing it for Ty…
Thank you, Lyndsey. That was beautiful. Can’t wait to print it and read it out for my son going into by kindergarten!