So, I have a fierce, independent, strong, intelligent, multi-talented daughter. She is one of those people that can literally try something for the first time and win ribbons, medals and prizes in it. She has that much natural talent. It is kind of awe-inspiring really. I’m not just saying that as her biased mom. Other people would actually agree. I’m actually one of the hardest ones to impress but I am always impressed by hard work and time commitment regardless of the result.

She has pretty much let me know that she would like to be in charge of her own life since the womb and I caught on quickly. I’m one of those moms that gets to know all my kids as individuals and each one of them and myself have a unique relationship based on their personality and personage. So, like I said, this daughter in particular is fiercely independent and likes to be in charge. Well, this was no different when she was nine and we were faced with the financially based “let’s narrow down how many things you are participating in right now” discussion. We talked about it in detail. Laid out all the financial responsibilities, the potential for success and what I thought versus what she thought about the direction she should head in.

She made what I thought was the wrong decision at the time, especially in terms of long-term interest and the potential for lasting success. We talked about it for a long time and basically ended up going with her decision, as previously agreed.

Years and years went by of not doing this activity. The other activities came and went and she always ended up pondering about this one, like I knew she would. Well guess what, now in her later teen years she has restarted this activity and is making huge strides with it and realized that she never should have stopped in the first place. To her, it fills her with some regrets at the wasted time of it all. To me, I realize that it means so much more to her now and is filled with even more potential than before and I don’t really feel that any time was wasted because it is now truly hers and she is in charge. I truly feel that she can accomplish anything that she puts her mind to…and she is definitely doing that now. I cannot wait to cheer for her and her future accomplishments.

Dr. Laura