What My 17-Year-Old Has Taught Me So Far…
What My 17-Year-Old Has Taught Me So Far…
Having worked with many kids over the years, one truth stands out clearly: children are always honest, pure of heart, and deeply aware of what they want. I saw this firsthand with my now 17-year-old son. Twelve years ago, when he was just five, he looked me in the eye and said, “Mom, I was made to play baseball.” I nodded, thinking, “Okay, sure, you are.” Now, looking at him today and all he has accomplished, I realize how powerful those early words were.
Here’s what my son has taught me along the way:
- Little kids know who they will be and what they want. Their dreams are not just fleeting thoughts; they are seeds of their future selves. As caregivers, we must listen closely to these early insights.
- Words have power. The things children say about themselves and their dreams shape their paths. Encouraging positive self-talk can set the stage for success.
- When you believe in who you are, it will manifest. Whether positive or negative, what a child holds in their mind influences what becomes real in their life.
- Pay attention to your child’s gifts and talents—and help cultivate them. Investing time and energy in nurturing these gifts is an investment in their future.
- Kids have dreams too. Never underestimate the importance of supporting those dreams, no matter how big or small they seem.
Beyond these lessons about my son’s journey, I’ve also learned about faith and how it shows up in unexpected ways.
- God is not confined to a box. Faith isn’t confined to one place or setting. I used to worry that my son needed to be in church all the time to truly “know God,” but I’ve come to understand that my husband and I are his first and most important teachers of faith, prayer, and the Word. We share and live out God’s presence in our home and in every situation we encounter together. I’m not saying we don’t value church, but because of his baseball schedule, we aren’t always able to attend regularly—and that’s okay. What matters most is the faith we nurture every day, wherever we are.
- God shows up anywhere He wants to. For example, after my son’s baseball games, his team prays together. I’ve seen faith in action outside the traditional church setting, which reminds me that He can reveal Himself anywhere.
In all, my 17-year-old has been my greatest teacher. He’s reminded me to listen, believe, nurture, and embrace faith in everyday moments. Kids truly have wisdom beyond their years—and when we honor that, we help them soar.
Author: Cori
