Busy, Radiant, and Full of Love: Celebrating Success

“Love is love. And every form of love makes the world more beautiful.”

June is a busy month, brimming with excitement in many different spheres. It is a time to honor freedom and celebrate love in all its forms: romantic, chosen, familiar, and divine. It is Pride Month, and I celebrate alongside family, friends, and colleagues the courage it takes to live as one truly is, to love whom one loves, and to find joy and fulfillment in accepting oneself in one’s entirety.

For me, June is an incredibly busy month. I am clearing out my classroom and workspace, giving away plants, and wrapping up the school year. I am also planning for next school year and together with my colleagues, we organize parties and attend graduations to acknowledge our students' achievements. When you celebrate others, you celebrate yourself. Families play a pivotal role in this culmination, as we all come together to honor our children and recognize all of the progress they have made throughout the school year.

As a mother and a teacher, in honor of all the families I have had the privilege of working with, I have created the “3 Rs of Parenting.”  I am pleased to be able to share them with you.

The 3 Rs of Parenting:

1- Realistic

As a parent or caregiver, it's important to be realistic. It means recognizing that life is a journey of experiences meant to teach us. None of us are perfect, neither as parents nor as children, but our love can be. Love, quite simply, was, is, and always will be perfect. When you express that love patiently and consistently, your child feels accepted exactly as they are. It shows them that you are present, both emotionally and physically, and that your support is unconditional, no matter what. 

2- Rewarding

Being there for your child(ren) can be one of the most rewarding experiences for both of you. Rejoice in your child’s smile.  Let it fill your heart with gratitude.  This feeds your soul and uplifts your spirit. Being a parent is a gift of love, responsibility and courage.  As parents we understand that we are here temporarily and that life moves in cycles: some moments will test us, while others will bring us joy and laughter. No matter what your child is going through, being by their side sends a powerful message: "I am always here for you."

3- Relationships

Relationships supports our need for connection and belonging, rooted in faith, empathy, understanding, and love. You may not always agree with a child's decisions, but your love remains constant, like the river that feeds the ocean. That constancy builds trust, connection and the respect your child needs to triumph in life.   When you choose not to take things personally, and instead act from the heart and with respect, your relationship with your child(ren) becomes a meaningful and fulfilling adventure for both of you. 

Our children are individual souls, here to experience, learn, and expand in their own unique way. We are not perfect, and neither are they; but our love is. When we choose to believe in them, to withhold judgment, and to stand by their side through every cycle of life, they know: ‘I am here for you, always, and I love you unconditionally.