Nothing should take priority over staying true to yourself. With that in mind, here’s the next video in the Raising an Ace series in which Mariam and I share our thoughts on parenting with authenticity in mind:

– Defining authenticity (00:32 sec) – Being real with self (00:46) – Being real with others (1:10) – Authenticity is Rare (1:32) – Value self-expression in art (2:36) – Introduce many choices & activities (3:10) – Respect child’s opinions (3:45) – Encourage originality (5:20) – Utilize Curious Questioning (6:15) – Distinguish Copying Forms (6:45) – Copy to Learn (7:02) – Resist pressures to negatively copy (8:08) – Blind followers are lost (8:40) – Eliminate negative copying early on (8:55) – Emphasis Inner Dialogue (9:12) – Don’t shame feelings (9:50) – Let out emotions (10:25) – Create a truth culture (11:10) – Keep promises to self (12:50)

No two individuals in the history of the world have had the exact same DNA – the entirety of a person’s thoughts and opinions are to each his or her own. There is an infinite level of pride possible in that fact if a person desires to discover it. What each person can share to the world is totally unique to him or her, and that is a powerful idea. We want Ace to appreciate this idea, and actualize his authentic self fully. Most of that comes from self-reflection, knowing yourself, ignoring the pressures to adopt biased thoughts as your own, etc. but don’t neglect the role that learning from others plays in strengthening authenticity also. Every individual must mold his or herself to improve and take the perspectives of others into consideration without conflicting them with your own ideas. A person that matches that art is on his/her way to actualizing authenticity. And the final point is to always stay true to the promises you keep to yourself; utilize self-discipline to always do what you say you will do, and be who you say you are. Because knowing yourself is not enough; you must also proclaim yourself and then live it.