Letting her Lead the way!

If parenting has taught me one thing,,its taught me that this little person already has her own predetermined destiny and that my job is guide and expose her to things that will contribute to her greatness.

I remember when I thought parenting a child meant I would be in control of their decision- making. However she reminds me, often, that she's clear about her likes and dislikes.  I was sure that being a parent meant that I could dress them how I wanted and that basically the child would do and be what ever I wanted them to be.... and then I became a parent.

My daughter is intelligent, opinionated, observant and eager to learn. She has critical thinking skills and is beginning to show some higher level thinking abilities. Parenting my child has taught me more about me then I could have ever imagined. While writing this very post I had an "aha" moment about my desires to control situations in my life- the conclusion is you can't. 

I have to remember that it is my job as her mother is to guide her, not control her. My job is to nurture her spirit and let her lead the way. A totally different approach to how I was parented. 

I was raised (for the most part) on the premise of "Do as I say and not as I do" or " because I said so" ideologies. In order to raise a child who is confident, aware and empowered I believe I must let her lead the way. She is control of her body, she determines her wardrobe, and hair styles, she's learning (already) to make choices and to own them. Yes, at three she's learned that now some choices are good ones - and that consequences are real. 

There are some days when I'm drained and overwhelmed with this parenting approach- however I realize that in the end it will all make sense. There are still some times when my choices must trump hers- for safety but I'm confident my decision to let her lead the way is the best way to raise an aware individual!

What are your thoughts?