WHAT WE OWE OUR CHILDREN...
Believe it or not, we are into the second month of this new year and I am still finding left over bits of Christmas 2008. I tried to scale back on the trinkets I put out last year - mostly to prevent trauma with Sawyer - but I still have way too much to put away.
Besides, I am sure much of what was given has already been forgotten. Which brings me to this.. "What do we really OWE our children?"
We owe them the right to dream and to chase those dreams. The words "You can't do that" should never be uttered in relation to the goals of our children.
We owe them the best education - not the best available in our local area - but the BEST(!) period! We should have unwavering determination to stand "toe to toe" with teachers, principals, guidance counselors and specialists of all types and demand what is best for our child. No one knows your child better than you do and their future is dependent on your strength as an advocate.
We owe our child our support in becoming independent and a part of the outside world. That means insuring they are welcomed in "scouting". churches (!), community center events etc. Do not begin a separate event for my child, let him be a part of the big picture. Welcome him into YOUR group and watch him grow!
Probably the hardest thing we "owe" our children is to let them fail, to get hurt and to question their dreams. Isn't that what we all do from time to time? It is part of life and yet it breaks our hearts to see our children face disappointment.
We will spend money we cannot afford, lose sleep with worry to finish that science project for the child who did not plan ahead, and consider bribing the parents of the child who excluded ours from the big birthday party on Saturday.
Life hurts! That is one lesson we do not want our children to learn - but they must. Still, we can fight to give them an even playing field. Give them the opportunities and skills to do their very best and then stand on the sidelines and cheer!
Besides, I am sure much of what was given has already been forgotten. Which brings me to this.. "What do we really OWE our children?"
We owe them the right to dream and to chase those dreams. The words "You can't do that" should never be uttered in relation to the goals of our children.
We owe them the best education - not the best available in our local area - but the BEST(!) period! We should have unwavering determination to stand "toe to toe" with teachers, principals, guidance counselors and specialists of all types and demand what is best for our child. No one knows your child better than you do and their future is dependent on your strength as an advocate.
We owe our child our support in becoming independent and a part of the outside world. That means insuring they are welcomed in "scouting". churches (!), community center events etc. Do not begin a separate event for my child, let him be a part of the big picture. Welcome him into YOUR group and watch him grow!
Probably the hardest thing we "owe" our children is to let them fail, to get hurt and to question their dreams. Isn't that what we all do from time to time? It is part of life and yet it breaks our hearts to see our children face disappointment.
We will spend money we cannot afford, lose sleep with worry to finish that science project for the child who did not plan ahead, and consider bribing the parents of the child who excluded ours from the big birthday party on Saturday.
Life hurts! That is one lesson we do not want our children to learn - but they must. Still, we can fight to give them an even playing field. Give them the opportunities and skills to do their very best and then stand on the sidelines and cheer!
posted by Joanne | 1:02 PM
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