No Predeterministic Parenting

One if the most important missions I have as a parent is to learn what it is my children love and dream and want, and to help them achieve it.  Whether it's discovering what they would really like for Christmas, or helping them to explore something which has piqued their curiosity.  I need to be in tune with them, with their questions and desires, and let them know that those questions and needs are valid and important . . . not superimpose my own wishes from childhood on them.