A Mom's Influence on the Presidency

When you think about the presidents and their upbringing, there are usually some pretty strong convictions in most of their homes, one would think. The parenting skills can sometimes dramatically affect their drive, motivation, leadership ability/potential and personality. Parenting also helps a young people form worldviews and convictions they have about the way things should be.

A lot of times when you hear men speak of their parents they usually are talking about the time their mothers spent with them, the influence they had on their lives and the great motivating force they were for them to persevere amidst trials and tribulations. Many biographies of great men speak highly of their mothers and how they helped them become the men they are. Also their mothers tend to have been self sacrificing for their children, not taking up careers or other interests as they raised their children, but focused their entire lives to raising their children the best way they could.

I think there are some qualities that exemplify what would make a good mother for a future president or for any role in society for that matter.

Unconditional Love - A mother's love is essential for anyone desiring not only to be President of the United States, but for anyone expected to succeed in life. The love of a mother that does not put conditions on their children such as "I will love you if..." A mother's privilege of showering love and affection on their child will help the child feel appreciated, safe, loved, and confident enough to face the world with their head held high and their chest forward. Not proud...but confident...secure...and knowing that no matter what they always have their family to return to and be accepted regarded the circumstances.

Mentor/Visionary - A mother that can see the strengths in their children and really point them toward using those strengths can help shape the direction the child will go. If a child excels in math and loves computers, a mother can direct them towards the computer sciences. If another child demonstrated a love for people and a desire to see an end to suffering and pain in the world, a mother can direct them toward medicine, law, etc. A child that demonstrates leadership potential, a sense of right and wrong, a desire to see things handled in a just and fair manner could be pointed towards law, civil service or the White House. A mother has a great influence to see the gifts and help them use them in the best way possible for them and those around them.

Encourager - A mother has a great gift of encouragement for their child. It is just as easy for a mother to encourage or to discourage their children, but a mother who is an encourager is one who excels! When their child first comes home from school after getting a D on their report card, or they were just rejected by someone they wanted as a friend. A mother can lift their spirits...remind them of the incredible person they are and how they are loved...and explain that all things have their timing. To encourage your child and see the smile come back across their face is truly a great blessing! Take it from me, a father of four who has had the privilege of encouraging my kids and also seeing my wonderful wife encourage our children. How great it is to see the transformation from defeat to hope!

So, for those of you who have children, whether they are destined for the White House one day, or if they will be a local business owner, regardless of what their calling in life, I strongly recommend that you demonstrate:

* Unconditional Love

* Be a Mentor to your Kids

* Encourage them every step of the way