Things I want my children to know...

My children seem to be growing up so fast and already carving their own path, making friendships, having fall outs, developing skills and talents. It made me stop to think about what they might become in life. Obviously we have no way of knowing and I have no expectations of them, other than that they remain the good people they are today.  

I thought about the things I want them to know, there are of course many. I will share these with them at some point. I know if I told them now at 6 or even at 16 they wouldn't fully appreciate them but later in life, I hope that they will look back and know that everything we did - whether they agreed with it or not at the time - was for them.

Being a parent is hard, we make mistakes just like anyone else. I don't have all the answers to your questions but I can help you try and find them.

Don't keep secrets. Something might upset me but I will never judge you. My love is unconditional and I will listen and comfort. It's okay to ask for help and I will always try to help you find your way.

Learn the art of forgiveness. Nobody is perfect and learning to forgive will relieve you of bitter feelings and psychological burdens. Holding onto the past will only make you resentful.

You can be whatever you want to be in life. I will support the decisions you make, all I ask is that whatever you choose to do with your life you always try your very best. 

I will give you the opportunities to learn, grow and challenge yourself. It is up to you to grasp these and make the most of them. Find something that you love doing. Get involved.

Life has it's ups and downs. Life is hard. We all go through bad times but with the love of your family and friends, you'll get through them.

Your heart will get broken, you'll feel like you will never love again. Time is a great healer. You will get over it, you will love again and you'll appreciate it all the more.

Respect yourself and respect others. Always treat people the way you yourself would wish to be treated.  

Don't be afraid to speak up and voice your opinion, even if people disagree with you. Be heard.

Don't be in a hurry to grow up. Childhood is brief, enjoy it.

and finally, 

Love your mum. She'll miss you terribly when you leave home.

And if they don't want to listen to my advice, they can listen to Baz Luhrmann's instead.