The Philosophy Behind
Parents & Children Empowered
It is not my job to raise my children to be good people. They already are. But I do have a responsibility to give them the tools they will need to function within the social structures we have created. This view of parenting creates reciprical relationships and interactions between me and my children.
Children are human beings on the same journey of life as all humans (regardless of age).
Children are not preparing for life. They are living it.
Every family is unique and must through thoughtful negotionation create a philosophy of parenting that serves the needs of all its members.
Being a Parent is a Privilege.
I worked as a preschool teacher for a long time before I had children and was always sad when the children left my class. My experience with them was over. To this day I am courious to know how the lives of these wonderful little people are unfolding. Chances are I will never find out. But they continue to have a place in my heart.
When my first child was born, I was so excited. Now, I would get to witness the entire journey of this persons life from childhood to adulthood. I was one of a very small group of people who would get to see it all. I am still overwhelmed by this privilege of parenthood. The mere fact that I get to be there.
And that is just the beginning. I also get to love, care for, teach, and learn with them along the way. Parenting for me is not a position of power or control. Parenting is a relationship. A relationship with many dementions. For a short time I am responsible to make sure my young children are safe and gain the knowledge they need to survive without me. After that we get to learn and grow with one another.
I am always saying to my sons, "How did I get so lucky to get to be your mom?" I say this not because they are always well behaved children. (They are not, but I like them that way.) I say it because of the amazing power the parent-child relationship has in making me have to work on being a better me everyday. The reason I have the children I do is more than just so I can teach them. They also teach me.
Many people talk about how bad it is for parents and children to be friends. My question to these people is what does it mean to be a friend? A true friend is someone who is present when you need them, gives support, makes you aware of when you are not being true to your authentic self' and pushes you to be the best person you can be. In my opinion, this is exactly what a parent needs to be. Notice I said nothing about making sure you are always liked.