"Good parents give their children Roots and Wings." --Jonas Salk
The first time I heard this quote, it made me think. The two sound contradictory - roots and wings: one to tie us to the ground and the other to enable us to fly away.
As I thought about it, however, I realized that, in fact, it clearly summed up the two primary responsibilities we have as parents: to provide a safe, nurturing environment in which our children can grow, and to prepare them for the time when they will "leave the nest."
So how do we give our children roots and wings?
Of course the roots come first. We provide a safe home where our children develop a sense of belonging, and where they can grow and become strong.
To help our children develop strong roots, we can learn a few thing from gardeners. They will tell you that, when you first plant a seed, you don't see any progress for some time. The seeds send down their roots into the soil first, long before the tiny shoots appear above ground. So the gardener learns patience, trusting the natural process.
As parents, we need to have the same patience and trust the process.
Roots serve two purposes: they give the plant stability, by going deep and holding it to the ground. They also provide nourishment through the water and minerals that are drawn in.
Stability and nourishment. We parents provide the same things.
Stability:
Of course, by providing for their physical needs - a home, food, clothing - we create the framework of stability. But there is so much more.
We also need to provide an atmosphere that is nurturing, supporting, and safe - emotionally as well as physically. In this way, we give our children a sense of belonging and security.
Nourishment:
Just as plants draw water and other nutrients from the soil to support their growth, our children depend on us for their nurturing. Our words of encouragement and appreciation, our guidance, and especially our love - these are the nourishment they receive from us.
To provide a stable and nurturing home for your children:
In elementary school it's pretty straightforward: bringing in cupcakes to... Read More
This past holiday season Canadians spent over $45 billion-with parents... Read More
I used to have a really challenging job. It was... Read More
Who Can Register A Birth? The child's mother... Read More
Why Me?"We should certainly count our blessings, but we should... Read More
Oh yes you have! Suddenly, "Where's Bobby?" You instantly realize... Read More
1. Tell me something you like about yourself? Help your... Read More
Bi-Polar Disorder, or Manic Depression, is characterized by mood swings,... Read More
What is hard for parentsLetting them learn from their mistakes.Trying... Read More
When my oldest daughter was born, I walked the floor... Read More
Using 14 "at" Flashcards To Teach Reading:This exercise helps your... Read More
Choosing to leave your child with a caregiver is one... Read More
Are your children truthful, kind, and helpful? If so, read... Read More
Why are more people, especially parents not outraged?I call it... Read More
Anorexia nervosa is a serious medical disorder that is statistically... Read More
Researched through personal experience!Budget Your Money. Even if you are... Read More
Here are fourteen spontaneous time-outs, specially designed to help you... Read More
Little Suzy has really been having a hard time getting... Read More
Something happened the other day that made me feel uneasy.... Read More
Despite the potentially dangerous side-effects of Ritalin, public school authorities... Read More
Detox To Conceive.. If you're having trouble conceiving... Read More
Did you know that inconsistency on matters of discipline gives... Read More
There is a new stage of development for parents to... Read More
Q: Our son has been in honors classes all through... Read More
Your daughter tells you that Uncle Charley has touched her... Read More
Antigo wedding limo ..Is there a fathering instinct?Celebrated child development expert Erik Erikson... Read More
Teaching kids to deal with conflict effectively and peacefully is... Read More
All children will likely have many different health problems during... Read More
How many times have you flipped through the pages of... Read More
Best friends! It may seem impossible to believe, but today's... Read More
Kids today no longer live the kind of privileged lives... Read More
"Where did he come up with that?" Kids often amaze... Read More
This time, I would like to talk about a subject... Read More
Pool safety should be on the minds of every parent... Read More
Many companies advertise their products as being educational. How much... Read More
There's a new trend for party entertainment. It seems as... Read More
Isn't the technology of today is amazing?! Between the speed... Read More
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes around the brain... Read More
Once the newness has worn off a little, you will... Read More
Since so many would rather avoid the use of stimulant... Read More
We are all so very happy to see that the... Read More
In a single dose of children's television, I was bombarded... Read More
One of the basic issues we need to understand is... Read More
Depending on where you live school will be starting this... Read More
Whenever parents discuss how to deal with bed wetting, the... Read More
I remember watching my 18-month-old son eat a big frosted... Read More
Here are fourteen spontaneous time-outs, specially designed to help you... Read More
A small town, somewhere in the world, was managed by... Read More
We are all familiar with the stories that most students... Read More
"How many times do I have to tell you to... Read More
Parenting |