The best thing you can do for the ones you love is to believe in them.
You just wonder what Steve Job’s mom thought when he wanted to quit college to build this thing called a computer.
My Dad reminded me of this the other day when I was complaining about how independent and strong my 5 year old daughter, Emily, is and how it’s a challenge to parent her. He told a story about parenting me as a child. I have a feeling we’re similar.
He told me that when I was about 3, I heard on the radio about kids getting ready for the first day of school and I wanted to go. So my parents played along got me a Looney Tunes lunchbox and a new outfit.
When the morning came, I packed a lunch, walked out the door down the steps of our big front porch, crossed a very busy street and and headed down the sidewalk. I was going to school, but I was not old enough yet.
I don’t think my parents thought I would follow through with it. They had to talk me down. I screamed and cried “NO I’M GOING TO SCHOOL!” I think that was the year they decided to send me to preschool early.
My dad said, "you haven’t changed and Emily won’t either. He said, "kids aren’t robots, they’re going to want to do things you think are crazy…just believe in them and they just might accomplish some amazing things."
Probably like when I told my dad this year, "hey dad I'm gonna move across the entire country for a new job with 3 kids by myself and start over.' My dad said, "okay, I’ll help you pack."
How has your parents or someone believing in you changed your life?