Some conversations with your kids feel like milestones, moments where you’re not just a parent but a guide helping them see the bigger picture of their lives. I’d been wanting to have this particular talk for a while—about purpose, gratitude, and progress. But like so many meaningful moments, it didn’t happen during a calm, ideal time. Instead, it came after one of those chaotic mornings that test your patience.
It started with the usual weekday hustle to get my 6-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter ready for school. They weren’t in the mood to cooperate, and by the time we managed to leave, I was at my wits’ end. (My son didn’t want to wear pants to school!) But as I reflected on the frustration, I realized it was the perfect moment to share something important with them. There’s no better time than the present to have these conversations, even if it feels premature. So, that evening, Edith and I sat them down to talk.
I started by telling them what I hoped they’d take away: a clear sense of purpose. “Your purpose is to keep progressing and dreaming big with optimism,” I said. To explain, I used an analogy that I thought would resonate with them. “Think of a snowball,” I said. “When it starts at the top of a mountain, it’s tiny. But as it rolls, it grows bigger and bigger. That’s how we grow—little by little, every day. The goal is to keep rolling, keep growing.”
“We are lucky,” I told them. “We have a home, cars, food on the table, and so many opportunities because of hard work and good choices. Not every family has these things, and it’s something to be thankful for.” I explained that with these privileges come possibilities. “You have the chance to build on what we’ve started. You don’t have to start from scratch, and your future is limitless. You have the tools to do anything you set your mind to.”
I wanted to make sure they understood that this wasn’t about perfection or pressure. “We don’t expect you to do everything right or work all the time. What matters is that you try your best, stay curious, and keep learning.” Edith supported this, sharing her own thoughts on how growth is a journey, not a race. She reminded them that making mistakes and learning from them is part of the process. Edith has always been the more patient one when it comes to parenting these kids.
At one point, my daughter asked me a question that stopped me in my tracks. “Papi, what is your purpose?” I paused, realizing the weight of her question. “Mami and I have the same purpose,” I told her. “We’re not done progressing and dreaming big either. There is so much life to be lived and so much to be grateful for. This can be everyone’s purpose—to keep moving forward and growing.”
The conversation ended with me encouraging them to think about their own dreams. I told them it didn’t matter what those dreams were, as long as they kept progressing and making the most of the opportunities in front of them. I saw a spark in my daughter’s eyes as she started to reflect, and even though my son is still young, I hope these ideas will take root over time.
As I tucked them into bed that night, I felt a deep sense of peace. I had given them something I hope will stick with them for years to come: the understanding that their lives are filled with possibilities and that their purpose is rooted in gratitude, growth, and optimism. Progress isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up every day and moving forward, little by little.
This isn’t just a lesson for kids. It’s for all of us. Every day is an opportunity to progress, no matter where we’re starting from. Let’s all embrace the snowball effect—building on small actions, learning as we go, and dreaming big with optimism. The journey is limitless, and the best is always ahead.
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