Reach for the Stars, Parents
Image credit: NASA.
As children, we’re told to shoot for the moon. But what happens when we actually do? One astronaut’s decision to lead an unprecedented mission into space reveals the necessity of following our dreams, especially as parents.
Artemis II’s recent journey into space brought four astronauts deeper into the universe than ever before, setting a new record for a human spacecraft’s farthest distance from earth. As Artemis II made its lunar flyby 252,756 miles from home, four astronauts made history while laying the foundation for further space exploration.
They also lived their dreams. When CBS News asked Commander Reid Wiseman about the risk of his space mission, he responded, “You know, the parents have to live their dreams just like the kids have to live their dreams.”
He acknowledged to CBS News that his children would “rather I not go.” While Wiseman said he viewed leading the Artemis II mission as a “selfish ask” in light of his wife’s passing, he offered it as an example of modeling resilience. Wiseman told Baltimore Magazine that “I want my kids to know that you can still achieve and go on and pick yourself up. I think when I said, ‘This is something I want to go do. It’s important to me, and I think I can do a good job at this,’ they were aligned very quickly.’”
Parents have different appetites for risk, particularly in balancing professional aspirations with family life. A study in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology offers data to that end: (to the surprise of no one) people become more risk averse after having children. Often, the instinct to protect children feels like a command to prioritize their needs, even if requires parents to set themselves aside.
Wiseman’s decision-making shows how chasing dreams can benefit children, too. A Psychological Bulletin review paper links the quality of children’s goals with those of their parents. Emphasizing intrinsic goals (such as personal growth, close relationships, or better health) rather than extrinsic goals (such as wealth, image, and status) can directly impact children’s visions for their own lives. Discussions about personal ambitions offer a chance to pass down values, and children understand those values best when parents model them.
Moreover, a parent who takes a considered risk might well (fingers crossed!) raise a kid confident enough to do the same. Taking risks is part of healthy childhood development. Children who learn to distinguish good risks from bad risks, while also trusting they can handle any outcome are learning resilience in real-time - and are better equipped for life’s curveballs. They also might have more empathy for others who risk big to bet on themselves.
In comments following his mission, Wiseman’s daughters showed their understanding for (and deep pride in) his calling.
His daughter, Katey, wrote exquisitely in a tribute on Instagram: “Watching my dad risk it all for the benefit of humanity was such a beautiful yet achingly painful [moment] … I will never be able to put into words how proud I am to be your daughter.”
Perhaps a proud daughter, inspired by parent who takes thoughtful risks, will grow into an adult who decides to live her dreams. And maybe that’s the universe we should all aspire to live in.
