halrunkel
“There are very few true parents in the world. Most people are brought up…neglected, or misunderstood, or spoiled.” (Henrik Ibsen)
Parenting is difficult. That’s one truth that no one can deny. What separates great parents from poor ones is their ability to fully accept this truth, even embrace it into their lives. That way they can stop themselves whenever they’re tempted to get whiny about their kids’ lack of appreciation, lack of focus, or even lack of hygiene. Every behavior challenge with our kids is a direct invitation for our own growth; they are, in their own immature way, asking us to provide them with leadership.
Their whining about too little freedom is a plea for a balanced structure of space and place; they neither want to be smothered nor neglected. Their screaming about things being unfair is a plea for respect; they want to be heard and understood. Their begging for more stuff is actually a plea for something immaterial; they actually want someone to teach them that there is more to this life.
Our kids are begging for us to keep growing up, so we can be the “true parents”, the leaders, they really need.
Peace begins with a pause,
Hal
