Heart4kidsadvocacyforum's Blog

Children operate from a very self-centered-which is purely developmental.  They begin to become cognizant of the world around them and the people around them as they age and are exposed.  The one constant in their life from the very beginning is their relationship with their parents. This is the primary and most important and as extended family and close friends begin to engage with them, they develop close relationships that require their trust and insight into relating to them authentically and lovingly.  These relationships are the foundation for all the other relationships and expectations of what relationships should look and feel like. 

They are counting on us to guide them in ways that will validate who they are and demonstrate not only are love for them, but our respect for them.  Without having people in their life that are sensitive and thoughtful about what they say and are with them, they don’t have the support to believe in themselves and value themselves.  This is a pivotal area of their development.  Yes, and it does take not only some forethought on our part, but for most of us a little retraining on how we see children, relate to children, and speak to children.   We have to be open that we don’t know everything and that we don’t have to be perfect. 

So much can be “Trial and Error”!  We will fumble and take a few missteps lots of times, but the bottom line is that we just keep trying to become the person they need and can count on to support them through all the complexities of their life’s journey.  Remember – We will have a multitude of opportunities to show up for them and each one is important.  Just keep being open-available and willing to grow into your identity as a “parent”!  It’s full of adventure, love, joy, and the unexpected!