timelymatters

Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture

August 5th, 2008

Randy Pausch passed away. It has really made me feel sad about the great loss to his family and the worldwide community.  I watched his lecture and read his book.  I did not see the professor in him, but the parent.  He was leading by example; I  admired his ability to set his childhood dreams and then fulfill them.  I cry for the hopes that he had for his children to fulfill their dreams.   Today, I am  reflecting on if I’ve provided an environment for my kids so that they can live out their dreams.

I don’t know if I’m guilty of stifling my children in trying to prove that I’ve got  “good” kids.  Kids (especially teenagers) will do whacky and creative things;  they are young enough not to be constricted by always thinking by the rules.  But doing those things may mean they get in trouble, or worse, get hurt.  The parent in me shuts down all activity that may be questionable.

Randy Pausch’s mom let him paint his room. There may have been other things she turned her head away from so that he could be creative.  It is hard to find that fine line to walk behind being the responsible parent and one that encourages children to express themselves and their creativity.  The ironic thing is that I think you will only figure out whether you have been successful at it when your influence as a parent is over.

Entry Filed under: Daily Routines for Kids