Nurturing Resilient Children. Prioritization, Teaching and Embracing

Essay from the year 2023 in the subject American Studies - Literature, grade: 12, Union Institute & University, language: English, abstract: In a society where immediate gratification is the norm, the thought of being a good ancestor may seem ludicrous and absent from people's minds. We all have been selfish in focusing on immediate gratification, often driven by the desire for convenience and short-term gains. However, to behave as good ancestors, we must shift our perspective towards a more selfless approach that considers the long-term consequences of our actions. Similar to how a seed grows into a tall tree, our actions contribute to the growth of a legacy that outlasts our lifetime (analogy). In 'A Two-Spirit Journey: The Autobiography of a Lesbian Ojibwa-Cree Elder', it is evident that good ancestors must take actions that will guide younglings to become self-sustaining, resilient individuals, which can be achieved by prioritizing the well-being of our younger generation, teaching vital skills and accepting them for who they are.