Dear Contact,
I hope this email finds you in good health and high spirits 😊. As a parent of two incredible teenagers—Noemi, who is in her last year of high school, and Marcel, who has just entered the world of high school—I often reflect on the role that my wife, Kim, and I play in their lives. Kim, also an attorney, is my co-pilot in this rewarding yet complex parenting journey. Today, I’d like to delve into the multi-layered roles of being a parent.
The term “parent” originates from the Latin word “parente,” meaning ‘to bring forth’ or ‘to give birth.’ 🌱 This word captures the initial physical role that Kim and I played in bringing Noemi and Marcel into the world. But that’s just the beginning.
The Hebrew term for parents, “horim,” adds another layer—it means ‘teachers.’ 📚 This suggests that parents are not just life-givers but also educators tasked with instilling their children with essential knowledge, skills, and values.
So, how do Kim and I aim to live up to these roles?
1. Be Proactive Educators: Schools lay the academic groundwork, but core values like kindness, empathy, and integrity often come from home. Kim’s perspective as an amazing writer and attorney enriches our teachings about justice and advocacy. 🌟
2. Instill a Love for Learning: As Noemi prepares for college and Marcel takes his first steps in high school, we strive to make learning a joyful experience, not just a school task. 📖 I know that isn’t easy.
3. Establish a Supportive Environment: Teen years can be a roller coaster 🎢. Kim and I strive to provide a safe space where our children can share openly and feel supported.
4. Empower Independence: We focus on imparting practical life skills as they age. From budgeting to critical thinking, we’re hopefully preparing them for the adult world that awaits them. 🛠️
By integrating the Latin and Hebrew perspectives, we learn that our role as parents is multi-dimensional. It encompasses nurturing, educating, and guiding our children to become their best versions. As parents, whether you’re just starting or navigating the challenging teenage years, let’s give it our best shot for the kids’ sake.
Thank you for taking the time to read this email. I hope it offers some valuable insights into the joyous, albeit complicated, task of parenting.
Best regards,
Andres “Horim” Mejer
