May 15 2011
Some Things Should Never Change
The other day I was watching a family play together and the mother was reassuring her little boy that someday he too will learn to ride a bike. It was obvious that he took great comfort in his mothers words. Seeing that family play and interact together reminded me of my years as a young mother and child care provider. When I see parents take the time to be patient and show understanding and compassion to their children, it makes me smile. I believe the most simple of gestures and encouragement can help put every child on the path towards self confidence and boost their self esteem.
We all get too busy nowadays, and the hurried lives we lead, can leave little time and energy for observations and discussions, and I think that is sad. Families are missing out on closer connections and seem to always be in some mad rush. We all complain of not having enough time to do things that are important, and yet generally, we have more time that we care to admit.. Just think about the parents in the generations long before us. They cooked from scratch, hand washed all their laundry, and worked together as a family. There were no luxuries like a microwave, a dishwasher, or the ovens we cook with today. No cell phones, no televisions, no computers, They walked everywhere or had horses to carry them, which by the way, they took care of and fed those animals too. Our lives seem much more free today of those laborious tasks of our ancestors, and yet we still have no time?
The little things that parents can do for their children really matter, and in some cases, can be life changing. A simple note of encouragement in their lunches, or a note on their bathroom mirror, reminding them, that they are loved. A reassuring talk about how well they are doing in something, or that you are proud of their efforts. A calming voice that lets them know, you are there for them and that you care. No matter how times have changed, the best gift we can give to our children, will always be, our time and our love.
Some things should never change.
