Raising A Daughter

I'm raising a daughter. What a responsibility! Thankfully, she is smart and seems to have a good head on her shoulder for an 8 year-old. It's a scary thought to realize the things she'll be facing as she grows up.

Welcome to the generation of kids with cell phones. Passing notes is a thing of the past. Kids don't even email that much anymore. Texting, chatting… even Facebook! Then, there's those crazy pictures. Instant snapshots and videos. The internet at the touch of a screen. Oh my.

Lydia and I are constantly trying to keep conversation with Mysia on the things that happen in her school and at the boys & Girls club. If she has a question, we want her to feel free to ask us or talk about it. We want to be involved, and hopefully train her to know to do what's right in any occasion.

Boy, talk about a responsibility. There are a lot of things to deal with, and it's not going to get easy as she gets older. And I have a son to raise too.

Of course, there are those who love to tell me the best way to raise my children. For the most part, I listen. I'll take things into consideration. But the fact that they aren't the ones dealing with my kids every day, they can't expect their 'knowledge' on the matter to work in all situations.

Sometimes, those who don't have kids telling me what I should do, aggravates me. It's like someone who doesn't own a computer telling me how to best operate it. I'll take suggestions, and I'll offer mine. But don't tell me that you know better than me. I can guarantee that my two children are unique. And they are mine to raise.

Yes, I'm not perfect, and I don't expect to be. I'm trying my best to be the best father to my children. Only I can do it. The result is on me, not anyone else. I can't tell others how to raise their kids… I'm too busy focusing on my own!

So far, it seems that Lydia and I are doing good. All the results show that our kids are excelling in their education and other aspects in their life. They are loved, well fed, and enjoy their lives. Both are full of compassion toward others as well. Yes, we have difficulties along the way, but we learn.

Raising a daughter will be difficult, and is a big responsibility. But it is a challenge. I accept it.

Seeing that smile on her face and knowing that this is God's gift and blessing… makes it worth it all!!!

~Matt