halrunkel
“A baby is an alimentary canal with a loud voice at one end, and no responsibility at the other.” (Ronald Reagan)
Human babies come into this world as one of the most helpless creatures on the planet. They cannot feed or defend themselves. They are utterly dependent on their parents for survival – and cleanliness. That’s how it’s supposed to work. They demand, we respond. The problem occurs when kids (and parents) don’t move past this phase of development.
Just as it is our duty to take care of our newborn offspring with care and diligence, it is also our duty as parents to gradually prepare our children for the day when they don’t need us. We must teach them how to become responsible for themselves.
That cannot happen if we continually take the things that should be their burdens and lay them on our own shoulders. Sure, they will fight this notion of growing responsibility tooth and nail. Why? Because they are hardwired to be demanding. It’s how they survived as infants and it’s built into their DNA.
When we can accept that fact, it’s a little easier to take their behavior for what it is (normal) and let go of what it isn’t (a personal assault against our authority). Then we can step back and parent with a little more principle and a little less anxiety.
Peace begins with a pause,
Hal
