Raising Little Men and Women

As I watch my son grow, I am sometimes am amazed at his progress. How he develops his thoughts and how he articulates them. While we want certain things for our children we must understand what the true aim of a parent really is.

My son is like most 11 yr. old boys… inquisitive, curious, a little mischievous, and completely normal. He’s really starting to comprehend the nuances of his reality and the world around him. He’s developing his own likes and dislikes, and interests. It’s an amazing experience as a parent to watch your child mature and grow.

Ultimately, all children will rebel to some degree from the parent to establish their own identity. I fully expect my son to do just that. I am thankful it hasn’t happened yet, but at least I understand it’s going to happen. As a parent, it is my purpose to raise him so that when he comes to that moment in his mind that he is larger than family, and feels distant from our ideals, he can venture forth with respect for himself, and world around him… and me.

It is our jobs as parents to raise good people who are law abiding citizens who will contribute some form of useful purpose to society. We may not like their choices, but if they respect their fellow man, respect other cultures and people, we have done our job.

It’s difficult to see the result  in this self-indulgent and goal driven world we live in, but the rules are the same for everyone. We all want respect and the freedom to choose our destiny. We must realize that there will come a time where we have to let go and allow them to choose that fate for themselves.

In giving that space and respect, we in fact earn it from them. Trying to articulate an end for them merely stifles their visions of themselves, and impedes their creativity.  In giving you’re receiving. We want our children to seek us out when they are stuck or in trouble. We want them to feel secure in our love and guidance and not shut us out for fear of reprisals when things matter most.

We all make mistakes. No-one is perfect.  Understanding that and allowing them to go through the process themselves will teach them valuable lessons more than any parental lecture could. We’re raising the future. We’re raising little men and women to be the movers and shakers of tomorrow. They’re the caretakers of the world they inherit like us and all before us. Teach them well, and we’ll all be proud.