Since becoming a parent, and consciously noticing my triggers, I have come to realise the importance of acceptance without expectation. This is what pure unconditional love is for my children—a love that brings peace and joy, never pain or worry. It's our duty as parents to create an environment where our child can lean into their gifts and talents without concern for how it reflects on us. If they lean towards something we're also gifted in, we should let them explore it through their own genius, rather than tainting the experience with our perspective. When they trust they can explore their gifts and talents from their inner selves, they begin building the confidence needed to let go of societal expectations and overcome self-doubt.

…….Social media presents a deep, dark hole for many parents, encouraging dangerous comparisons that erode acceptance. From conception through childbirth, we know only love and acceptance for our children. Yet, as we and our children engage with the wider world, we start making decisions based on others. This competitive and comparison-driven norm is so ingrained that we don't realise the dangerous message it sends to our children. It shifts the focus from belonging to merely fitting in—terms that are interchangeably used yet bear such different meaning. Fitting-in; looking for approval outward. Belonging; looking for approval inward.