Culture Vs. Nurture

Culture vs Nurture

I don’t know if this post will resonate with anyone, but it’s something I think about a lot. It’s the idea that I want to give my little one a ton of culture. Whether it’s art, music, or language, I am constantly trying to think of things to do with a toddler that will enrich her character.

But at what point does it become over kill and you are stifling these little ones with what you think is important rather than letting them just be kids? I didn’t think this would ever really be a question I would ask myself or at least ask until she went off to college.

These things we find important, whether it’s culture for me, or sports for you, or just a solid bedtime for your girlfriend’s kids, when do they become too important? It’s such a tough question, because being a parent is literally the blind leading the blind. Even if you are a crazy googler or have read 1,000 parenting books, we still don’t know what or who these little beings are going to be when they grow up. So what is a mom to do?

Do you keep shoving your ideals and beliefs down their throats until you think they understand Mandarine Chinese, score the winning goal, or go to bed when you think it is the appropriate time? For me, I think with everything, I’ll let her tell me when she’s had enough. I’ve learned from being a parent from the last 2.5 years is that they, for the most part, will tell you when they’re ready for something new or have had enough.

So for now, I’ll let her drive the boat when it comes to when she’s ready to go pee pee in the potty, try a pickle for the first time, and visit the museum when she wants to go for things other than the cookies in the cafeteria.

Little Annabelle styled in our Pineapple Joggers HERE.

-Chelsea (make sure to follow Chelsea on Instagram HERE)