When your child becomes your life coach, it often happens quietly – in ordinary conversations, unexpected questions, and moments when we least expect to be taught.

As January unfolds, I always find myself pausing to reflect on where I am, what I’m hoping for, and what it might be time to leave behind. Lately, I’ve been thinking about how my children have shaped me, not just as a mother, but as a person still learning how to live well.

Ever since they arrived, I’ve said my children are my greatest teachers. What I didn’t anticipate is that, as they’ve grown into adults, they would step so naturally into the role of my life coaches.

My son has been my steady presence – grounding me emotionally while encouraging me to take better care of my body. Calm. Reasonable. Assured. Our in-house Buddha.

My daughter, on the other hand, has become my annual strategist. Every January, she gives me what she calls my “assignment.” One year it was about stepping outside my comfort zone. Another year it focused on connection and widening my circle.

This year, when I realized my assignment hadn’t arrived, I asked her about it. She didn’t hesitate.

“What scares you the most?” she asked.

Her question landed before I could edit myself. I spoke honestly about my growing awareness of how precious life is, and how frightening it feels to imagine losing it – or someone I love – in an instant.

Her response was simple and unsettling in the best way: live as if you don’t know you’ll have tomorrow.

That idea scared me. And it also felt true.

When your child becomes your life coach, they often invite you to stop postponing the things that quietly matter most. To say yes sooner. To trust what lights you up, even when hesitation feels safer.

This reflection is an invitation to consider what might change if we listened more closely – not just to our children, but to ourselves.

Read the full reflection on Substack here →
When Your Child Becomes Your Life Coach

You can find more reflections like this on my blog.