Seedlings

While I was driving home a few nights ago I drew an interesting parallel. I was driving a little over the speed limit coming up a dirt road through a beautiful mountain meadow. My eyes focused on a tiny seed floating toward my windshield. It bounced through the air on its own path following the small breeze that carried it. I watched it as it flew right into my windshield and changed course dramatically. I looked at my sleeping daughter in the backseat and immediately thought about her being the seed.

She was born with her own way of interacting with the world and learning from everything around her. Every person that comes into her life is like my speeding car veering her off on a different course. I hope that my wind is strong enough to keep L on a sustainable, morally, and ethically just course, but I know that every outside influence has the potential to sway her beliefs.

How can you create the strong wind that keeps your child heading in the right direction? I am no expert, but I believe it stems from relationships. You must work to create an unbreakable bond. Connect with your child early and often. Show joy in the small things you do together. As long as your parenting relationship comes from a place of respect, I think your child will stay connected. Obviously all children are different, but I think early experiences of trust are the key to keeping your child on the path you would hope for them.

Questions and comments are always welcome! Tell my what you think.