This is my story.

“There’s no hope. What has happened to this generation?”

It got me thinking…

“I will not expose my (future) kids to anything like tumblr. That girl is only thirteen and yet, her blog is full of profanity, drugs, sex, and things thirteen year olds should not concern themselves with.”

But no. Instead, I should educate them in what’s right and wrong, what’s healthy and harmful before it’s too late. Not bringing it up and hiding it from them won’t protect them. At least, not for long. They’ll eventually find out. They’ll be curious. And who knows what happens after. I don’t want to live in blissful ignorance thinking my kids have no idea what’s out there when in reality, they probably know more than I do.

I feel bad for some parents living in blissful ignorance, thinking their child isn’t doing anything behind their backs. “Oh, they’re young. They have nothing to worry about. They don’t know about anything. Just leave them alone.” And how disappointed and heartbroken they are when they find out. I especially feel sorry for the kids whose parents don’t give them any attention.

I hope my (future) kids and I have a great relationship just like I do with my parents. I hope they will be straight an honest with me. I hope they will believe in me and trust me.

I don’t care if anyone thinks this post is “wrong” or disagrees with me.

I don’t care if “every kid is bound to break the rules.” I don’t care if you think your kids should do whatever they want just because “they’re old enough.” I don’t care if you let your child be irresponsible, if you let your child go out with their friends you’ve never met, have a drink, and somehow end up in jail.

I don’t care if you think every child is going to end up bad (and you somehow give up on them) because I have faith in my children (and other children). I have faith they will do the right thing if I educate them enough. Go ahead. Laugh. Call me stupid. Tell me it’s a waste of time. But you know what? I have nothing to lose, do I?

You know, in a way I’m glad my life isn’t “perfect.” To someone else, it probably is. If everyday was “perfect,” if I was always satisfied, life would be boring and I would learn nothing. Pain, hurt, dissatisfaction—they’re part of life’s ingredient. It’s what makes you human. I could be miserable for a week and one thing could brighten it up. I’ll appreciate it more.

Stop complaining about what you don’t have and start being thankful and appreciative for what you do have.

I recently watched a video of a sixteen year old girl who cursed her mom out on TV and in front of her school because her mom got her the wrong car for her birthday and gave it to her on the wrong day. Seriously? Btch, at least you get a car. “She doesn’t want that car? Fine, lets run her over with it.” Exactly what I thought.

If you’re spoiled and always wishing for more and more, you’re just going to slide down the pyramid. You will learn nothing. Go ahead and throw a hissy fit.

Those who work hard even through the worse times, learn to be satisfied with the reward they earned. Those are the people who are strong. “Good things come to those who wait.” My parents, who worked so hard and experienced a tough childhood/life, all they ask for is for my brother and I to get good grades; they’re happy with food on the table, money to get them by, and our family to be healthy. But there are just some people who ask for more and more.

I was spoiled as a child. I always got what I want. I was blind and never saw how hard my parents worked. But now, I learned to appreciate every single thing I have. I don’t take them for granted. “Want a new ipod? Yours is broken, right?” Yes, I still have the same ipod from five years ago and yes, it isn’t in perfect condition, but it still works. “Want a Mac for your class?” Yes, my current laptop would overheat and shut off, prone to viruses, but it still works.

Even though I’m your child, I don’t want your money unless I really need it. Your hard work (along with our economy) taught me to save what I have for when I really need it. Well, of course I’ll go off and buy stuff once in a while, I’m not going to lie.

You don’t have to agree with me. I just wanted to get that off my chest.

I have tried my best but I haven’t gotten far.

I’ve lost hope and I want to give up but I shouldn’t. If I do, everything I put my heart into will go to waste.

I feel like everything I do is one step forward and two steps back.

Maybe I’m just overreacting.

Maybe the light isn’t too far. Maybe my goal and successful future self is waiting for me in that light to congratulate me. Maybe my family and friends are also waiting with a batch of delicious celebratory cookies!

Maybe those who have insulted me, have put me down, and thought I could never achieve anything are also at the end of that light, laughing. “She’ll never get here. She’ll just give up.”

Yeah, I should keep going.

It doesn’t matter how long it takes me as long as I get there.

You too. Don’t give up. Show them what you can do.