Intentional Delegation as a Parent:

Intentional Delegation as a Parent: I Am Not and Will Not Be the End-All, Be-All

As a parent, one of the most liberating realizations I’ve had is that I don’t have to be everything for my children. In fact, embracing the influence of others in their lives is one of the most enriching decisions I can make for them. Each individual has a unique personality, birth order, perspective, and wiring. My role as a parent is not to feel threatened by these differences but to delegate and create opportunities for diversity and perspective for my children.

Embracing Diverse Influences

When my daughter says she wants to pursue something because someone else inspired her, I see it as a moment of growth and learning, not a threat to my parenting. The day I let insecurity creep in and stifle my curiosity and open-mindedness is the day I stop growing as a parent. Instead of feeling threatened, I choose to see these moments as opportunities for my children to learn from the rich tapestry of experiences and wisdom that others bring into their lives.

Being Aware of My Own Humanity and Shortcomings

I am very aware of my own humanity and shortcomings, and it is precisely this awareness that makes it so important not to feel threatened by the strengths of others. I actively seek out people who balance me, who level the playing field, and who bring dimensions to our lives that I am either unaware of or currently unable to provide. I know my limits, and I will not diminish my children's experiences because of my own deficits. By recognizing and embracing my own limitations, I can better appreciate and leverage the strengths of others to enrich my children's lives.

Surrounding Ourselves with Diversity

I’ve intentionally surrounded myself and my children with people who are evidently different from us. This diversity benefits us in countless ways. It’s not about feeling threatened; it’s about recognizing the value that different perspectives bring. By exposing my children to various influences, I am helping them develop a broader understanding of life, relationships, and interpersonal connections. They learn about autonomy, self-assurance, and confidence from seeing others excel in their fields and embrace their unique gifts.

Celebrating Human Fullness

None of the amazing individuals in our lives are better than others in terms of worth or value. Each person gets to be fully human, living in their fullness, and I support that wholeheartedly. I want my children to see and embrace this diversity, encouraging them to live into their fullness as well. By creating and cultivating a village around them, I ensure they have a well-rounded support system that fosters growth, learning, and compassion.

The Role of a Parent

As parents, our job is not to be the end-all, be-all for our children. It truly takes a village to raise well-rounded, empathetic, and confident individuals. By intentionally delegating and embracing the influence of others, we are not diminishing our role but enhancing it. We are teaching our children the invaluable lesson that learning and growth come from a community of diverse perspectives and experiences.

In conclusion, I am not threatened by others who influence my children. I am grateful for the richness they bring into our lives. My children and I are better for it, and I believe this approach will help them develop a greater grasp on life, relationships, and interpersonal connections. So, I will continue to intentionally delegate and cultivate a diverse village around us, knowing that it is the best way to support my children in becoming well-rounded and confident individuals.

By: Rebekah LaRobardiere