My daughter has grand ambitions, and as her parents, we’re doing our best to ensure she develops the work ethic to match. She’s an only child, which means she gets our undivided attention and resources. When she says, “Daddy, I want to stay at a nice hotel with a pool,” or “Daddy, I want to go on a big boat or a plane,” we’ve made those moments happen for her.
Her expectations for life already surpass anything I dreamed of at her age, growing up in Jamaica. Back then, luxury wasn’t part of my world. But now, as I witness her aspirations, I know our job isn’t just to meet her requests—it’s to prepare her to create a life where she can meet her own.
We’re focused on instilling key values that will serve her well as she grows. We’re teaching her the importance of discipline and focus, the value of hard work—even when she’s tired—and the belief that anything she desires is attainable with effort and determination.
But it’s not just about working hard. We’re also equipping her with soft skills that will make all the difference in life. We emphasize politeness and confidence, and we’re teaching her to recognize who her true friends are. These lessons are as vital as any material success she might achieve.
One of our greatest fears as parents is unintentionally setting her up for failure by not balancing her dreams with the tools to achieve them. Raising a child with “luxury ambitions” comes with unique challenges, but it also pushes us to be intentional in our parenting. We want her to dream big but also to understand the journey, not just the destination.
It’s a work in progress, but I believe that with time, love, and guidance, she’ll be ready to turn those ambitions into reality—and thrive.
Calcie | The Social Dad DC
SOCIAL DAD DC 