You know, my kids rarely took my advice when they were in school or even college. They always thought they knew better. Then when they went out on their own things changed, even more so now that my oldest has kids. Suddenly, they not only ask for advice but they actually listen and then thank me. Crazy!
For the life of me I wondered what was different. That is until I looked back and thought about my parents. I wish I would have taken more of their advice earlier. In fact, I was too stubborn for my own good. Experience can be good wisdom. I know that now.
I often tell my kids I am giving the same advice I always did. However, when I look back I realize when they were younger I tried to tell them what to do, today I make suggestions or say something like, “here’s what I did” and it makes all the difference. I can’t tell them what to do, especially not anymore.
I give them choices and tell them what others have done. I also say something like, “here’s what I did but after I did that I realized I should have done this…” It makes sense, right.
I see now I give them options and choices and I make recommendations. I don’t tell them what to do, that would be crazy. I’m guessing that is the difference.
If I give better advice, it’s only because I lived longer and made more mistakes.
I still make mistakes, and sometimes I know better. Maybe I should follow my own advice.