Becoming a parent is a lot easier than being a parent. Simply because a seed is implanted and is, in time provided food, clothing and shelter does not mean a healthy, hardy, happy creation will develop and grow. Not at all.
The nurturing of a child is like the growth cycle of a flowering plant. The plant needs constant moisture and light to nourish its root system and grow strong. Human affection, attention, respect and trust are to children what sunshine and rainfall are to plants. Without them, the young wither and die.
Freedom to grow in its own shape and in its own way is another similarity between plants and children. For sons and daughters this means freedom of speech, to express their own ideas and opinions and have adults really listen, , freedom from fear that they will not be abused, physically, sexually, emotionally, etc, and freedom to make as many of their own decisions as they are capable of, etc. But the freedom can not be limitless nor more than the age or ability of the particular child is able to handle.
In providing freedom to children, the freedom must be balanced. Adults need to make clear that letting a youngster have her say does not necessarily mean letting her them have her way. Giving a son or daughter freedom and choices should not be seen by either her or her parent as the right to do whatever she wants; . it is, instead, the privilege and the responsibility to speak, to listen and to do what is right.
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