When kids grow up, become adults, and have their own kids, they’re quite literally still the kids. Then, these big and serious children in disguise are secretly struggling in this big world full of multitasking. Deciding what’s best for their kids on a daily basis can be truly nerve-wracking, but sometimes, a little spoken word can work wonders, according to people online.
You see, when one Reddit user posed the question “What’s something that every parent should tell their child?” on r/AskReddit, it seemed like a straightforward one. But as soon as the answers started flooding in, it became obvious we’re dealing with some real wisdom gems and one of those increasingly rare examples of the internet giving something truly valuable.
From telling your kids you can indeed be wrong sometimes, since it’s only human, to apologizing to them if you’re wrong, these are little things your child self would thank you for.
#1
A good parent shouldn’t be afraid to apologize to their kid when they’re wrong.
Image source: Dr_Julian_Helisent , needpix
#2
The proper terminology for their genitals. Other adults aren’t always going to know what your kid means when they say “someone played with my monkey or my tutu,” and predators aren’t going to call them by the proper names either, so it’s another deterent for abuse to occur. Vagina, Penis, Vulva, Testicles- these are not dirty words people.
Image source: jebelle87
#3
Whenever another kid is being mean to them, physically or verbally, don’t tell your child that the other kid was being mean to them because they like your child. Your child might grow up mistaking abuse for affection.
Image source: chickenstockandchili
#4
If you make a mistake and need help, come to me. Kids tend to make bad situations worse by trying not to get caught. I know way too many people who got in drunk driving accidents because they were too afraid to call their parents for help and drove home or got in the car with a drunk driver.
Image source: xandrenia, needpix
#5
Your low academic performance does not mean you’ll be a failure in life.
Image source: maroonmerin, pickpik
#6
No means no.
Image source: bigfatdiscrepancy
#7
”I love you regardless of your gender and sexuality” unfortunately that wasn’t what my mom said.
Image source: Catherine2005
#8
Its alright to make a mistake, as long as you can admit it and grow from it.
Image source: LordPassionFruit
#9
I’m proud of you.
Image source: mozesa942
#10
Be kind. You never know what someone might be going through and I love you.
Image source: nerdyflower03, pixabay
#11
How their bodies work — no, how they really work. Periods, sex, poop, everything.
Image source: asistolee
#12
If anyone ever tells them, “This will be our little secret,” especially if it involves physical contact, my child needs to get as far away from that person ASAP, find a trusted adult, and contact me. My child will know they will not be in trouble for telling and I will always believe them.
Image source: Midas_Artflower
#13
Knock the door before you enter.
Image source: thanos300693
#14
Sometimes, friends you trust will manipulate you. Parents should teach their children what manipulation is and how to avoid it… Cause it ain’t so black and white
Image source: NotDepressed1224
#15
You don’t have to respect anyone that disrespects you, even if they’re your “elder”
Image source: GurgleQueen636
#16
Your mental illness is not a weakness.
Image source: babooskaaaa
#17
It’s important to be kind, but you don’t need to be everyone’s best friend. Some ppl are just not going to like you, and that’s okay – it goes both ways
Also being a kid/teenager is f**king hard work. It gets so much better after high school, I promise
Image source: AliCracker
#18
Admitting they can be wrong sometimes. Parents are humans and make mistakes. Kids need to see that.
Image source: MxPlume
#19
What to do in an emergency. If the fire alarm goes off they should know that they need to get out of the house. Don’t look for mum and dad. Don’t hide under the bed. Get out.
They also need to know how to call emergency services. If a parent collapses, the child may be the only person around to make the call.
Image source: HMCetc
#20
Always have an open mind before coming to an opinion. Question and research the facts before blindly following someone else’s lead.
Image source: ignatious__reilly
#21
That it’s okay to ask for help and no one will think less of them.
Image source: I_hate_traveling, needpix
#22
“You don’t have to earn my love. Nothing you do will ever make me love you any less. I will ALWAYS love you, no matter what.” I say these three lines to my kids so often!
Image source: myirishmolly
#23
Express that it’s ok to feel uncomfortable and not want to do something. I saw a post where a mother taught her daughter to say hello but if she didn’t want a hug or a kiss on the cheek she was never forced to do so. If the kid felt comfortable she would do it. Expressing that this is ok seems pretty important IMO
Image source: niavaldero
#24
Having money doesn’t make you better than anybody else.
Image source: WellnouserNameLeft
#25
Coping skills to process their emotions
Image source: haternation
#26
Look out for the smaller kids on the playground, kindness is free so make sure to use it.
Image source: MarilynnW27, pixnio
#27
“The world is a f**ked up place. People are going to hate you for the sake of hating you, and spit on you for what you believe. What I want you to know is I’ll always support you. And I’ll never be disappointed in what you do with your life as long as you love it” ~ My dad
Image source: thatoneshotgunmain
#28
That it’s OK to walk away from a fight. It doesn’t make you less of a man, and walking away should always be the first resort.
Image source: RazvanDubrinsky
#29
You didn’t ask to be born so it’s my responsibility to take care of you, pay for your expenses and make food and you don’t have to thank me for it because it’s normal (Actual thing my parent told me as a child)
Image source: Trytye
#30
That it’s OK to be straight, gay, bi, pan, cisgender, transgender, or gender-fluid. There is no wrong sexual or gender identity. Just be yourself.
Image source: tylerwardfilms
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