Unintended Consequences

Have you ever heard parents prophesy about their children— “she’s the smart one; he’s going to be a handful; he doesn’t listen; she’s the bossy one; he never does what he’s told”—when the children are within earshot!! I had a friend who prophesied in front of his children, but it was always the highest praise in every area—to a fault. However, those children who are adults now, have an unshakable self-esteem. They have no doubts about accomplishing whatever they pursue, and are very successful people, although somewhat prideful. I wonder how many of us are affected in adulthood because of our parents’ prophecy.