loopyloulaura

Being a parent is a huge responsibility as well as a huge joy. For work I spend time with teenagers and it got me thinking about what traits I want to instil in my own children before I send them out into the big wide world, to cope with all of life’s challenges and lead a happy life.

So here they are, my A to Z of positive personality traits I would love my children to develop:

Ambition: it shouldn’t be a dirty word. I want my children to work towards their aspirations and be proud of their achievements.

Balanced: there are always multiple ways of looking at anything so make sure you consider things carefully

Challenging: change the world, don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe in.

Decisive: have confidence in yourself and your choices

Enthusiasm: there is joy to be found in every day, just go and find it

Ferocity: fight for what you want, fight for the right thing

Generous: time and attention are so valuable

Hard working: try your best so you can never be disappointed with yourself

Integrity: be honest and truthful to yourself and others

Jovial: smiles breed smiles, spread happiness wherever you can

Kindness: be someone’s friend when they have no other, offer a smile to people that may have had no friendly human contact for days. Everyone faces battles each day that we will never know

Loyalty: family and friends should be able to count on you.

Modest: try your best and aim high but not at the expense of others, be proud of yourselves without making others feel bad

Natural: be yourself and don’t pretend to be someone else, people will see through it plus you will never be happy if you lie to yourself and others

Openness: try new things, don’t judge people, be honest about yourselves

Perseverance: keep trying, the best things are worth the extra effort

Questioning: be curious about the world, don’t accept things at face value

Resiliant: life can be tough but you are too. You are stronger than you know, believe in yourself

Sympathetic: be the shoulder to cry on, listen to others

Trusting: it is brave to trust when you have been hurt

Understanding: remember the power of words; they can harm or heal. Put yourself in others’ shoes, be tolerant and thoughtful.

Vibrant: show off your smile more than your frown

Wise: learn from your mistakes but don’t be afraid to make them in the first place. Make decisions that you can be proud of and stay realistic.

EXpressive: I want my children to relish their emotions and not be scared of showing them to others.

Youthful: the freedom of childhood, the excitement of everything, I never want the children to lose that mindset.

Zany: a spark of individuality, a sense of humour, a degree of unconventionality. Being true to themselves and not being concerned if they do not followed the herd.

Good luck my little ones!