“Are you mom enough?” The Time Magazine cover story which features a skinny mom in jeans breast-feeding her 3-year-old. Really, am I mom enough? I didn’t know motherhood was a contest, but then again maybe it is. Extreme Parenting vs. Babywise vs. Attatchment parenting vs. Ferber method. Stay at home moms vs. working moms.There are so many ways to raise a child and each one points fingers at the next.

Do I agree with that picture? Well what does that matter? What the article did do was it  got me thinking, no matter how I choose to parent, there are some things I want to teach Kaili, really teach her.

I want her to be kind. The girl who always says please and thank you to the waiter, librarian, grocery store clerk and the elderly.

I want her to be open-minded. Free of bigotry and racism.

I want her to see the good in people. Befriend the kid that gets bullied and stand up for herself if she is the one being bullied.

I want her to know how much she was wanted and how much she is loved. Always. But that she is not the center of the universe and never will be.

I want her to see the world, with me and without me. Experience new cultures, religions, people and places. Open her heart and mind of the benefits of studying and visiting foreign lands.

I want her to be able to spot superficiality a mile away. Surround herself with people who are good and stay true to herself.

I want her to be able to laugh at herself.  It’s humbling.

I want her to be able to say No!

I want her to forget about what other people think of her! What does she think about herself? That is what really matters.

I want her to know that “diamonds are not a girls best friend”. Friends are invaluable they stick with you through good times and bad. Some may come and go and that is Ok too.

If she has a sibling I hope for them to be close. The best friend she can’t get rid of. I hope for them to share secrets that no one else knows, stick up for each other and stay loyal to each other through it all, good and bad.

I want her to know that everything happens for a reason. There will be good times and bad times. That she is loved unconditionally. She can be whatever she wants and do whatever she thinks she can and that “home is where the heart is” and we are here for her always.