Mack and
Macy know that part of my daily routine includes taking a walk—usually around our
neighborhood. They enjoy going along—talking, walking, and especially running
ahead to the next street crossing. Both girls know if they get there before me, to wait so we can cross together.
When I think
about their running ahead…waiting…running ahead again...and waiting again, I
think about how similar taking our walk is (or should be) to raising our children.
As parents
we need to equip our children with the ability, confidence, and strength
(physical and emotional) to ‘run ahead’ and experience life independently, yet
staying within our reach for those moments when they need our help, our hugs, our
guidance, and the boundaries for them. And when they come to a
crossroads in life, they need to know to wait for us to help prepare them
for it, and to know when it’s safe to ‘run ahead’ again.
Sometimes when we walk, Macy will run ahead but Mack won’t. She’ll stay behind; holding
my hand and talking about whatever is on her mind. These times are sweet for what they are, but they also remind me of how we need to make the most of the times when our children 'hang back' with us. We need to be listening, talking, sharing,
teaching, cheering them on, and helping them build their confidence. In other words, these are the times we need
to be heavily investing in the most precious commodity on earth.
So whether
your children are running ahead of you and exploring life on their own or
walking beside you; learning as they go, it’s up to you to be the parent that
provides the kind of environment and unconditional love and acceptance that
makes it all possible.
Love,
Momma D
Copyright 2016 Darla Noble. No part of this can be used or copied without permission from the author.
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