Students! In case you haven’t noticed, parents are an interesting group.

I recently wrote about, Some Things Students Secretly Want You to Know. Today, I want to present part of the parent side. Some of these things parents have communicated directly to me. Others are things that I’ve sensed as I’ve seen parents “deal” with their children. And still, others are things I’ve felt or thought over the last 15 years of being a parent myself. Again, this list is not complete by any means.

I am so proud of you, more than you will ever know

When you get in trouble, I feel like it’s my fault

When I look at you, I see all of my hopes and dreams wrapped up in your life of possibility

I get so frustrated at myself when I let my anger take over and yell at you

I’m tired. I’m just plain tired

I really want you to like me

I pray for you and the choices you make every night

I really don’t know how to talk to you

I’m scared for you

I feel bad when I can’t give you everything you want

I’m doing the best I can

I regret the things I’ve said to you and how I said them

I really don’t know what I’m doing as a parent

Again, this is not an exhaustive list by any means. I’m sure there are better thoughts out there. I’m sure there are a ton I missed and I would love to hear them.

Now it’s your turn. What are other things that you as a parent or youth worker would like your child or students to know. Ready. Set. Comment.