I often ponder my own difficulties and frustrations with raising my children. Child rearing is one of the most natural and beautiful life events a woman can experience yet there are times that I find myself completely incapable of this task. How can an experience so innate and wonderful be so difficult and perplexing at the same time?
I often wonder what is really important in my life and the lives of my children. I do believe that my life would be less complicated if there was no television in my living area and if my kids didn't have so many "things" at their disposal. I think it is easier at times for kids to sit in front of the television than to come up with more constructive uses for their time. I also feel that there would be far less time arguing if there were less things to argue over.
I think one of the biggest things I have discovered over the last couple of years is that it really does take a village to raise a child. Raising children is no easy task no matter how patient a person you are or how good you are at it. We are on the clock 24 hours a day, seven days a week and no matter what else we are doing in our lives this is by far the most important job we have.
I think in order to be most successful at raising our children we all need to find our own "village". This might be extended family, the neighborhood within which one lives or the Church to which one belongs. There are also Mom's Clubs, the YMCA, and other social organizations that exist in the community. My village includes my neighbor, mother-in-law, cousin and other mom's in the community. I call on my village to watch my children when needed, to help nurture and guide my children through different stages of development and to offer emotional support so I can vent frustrations and seek encouragement and advice from those I love and respect.
I feel that emotional and physical support from those around us is key in helping us be successful as both individuals and as parents. It is essential that we give and receive help with raising children. We need to take the time to exchange babysitting services, arrange play dates and social outings, share information, and exchange ideas. We need to not only be a source of support to those in our villages but also allow those in our villages to support us.
I often wonder what is really important in my life and the lives of my children. I do believe that my life would be less complicated if there was no television in my living area and if my kids didn't have so many "things" at their disposal. I think it is easier at times for kids to sit in front of the television than to come up with more constructive uses for their time. I also feel that there would be far less time arguing if there were less things to argue over.
I think one of the biggest things I have discovered over the last couple of years is that it really does take a village to raise a child. Raising children is no easy task no matter how patient a person you are or how good you are at it. We are on the clock 24 hours a day, seven days a week and no matter what else we are doing in our lives this is by far the most important job we have.
I think in order to be most successful at raising our children we all need to find our own "village". This might be extended family, the neighborhood within which one lives or the Church to which one belongs. There are also Mom's Clubs, the YMCA, and other social organizations that exist in the community. My village includes my neighbor, mother-in-law, cousin and other mom's in the community. I call on my village to watch my children when needed, to help nurture and guide my children through different stages of development and to offer emotional support so I can vent frustrations and seek encouragement and advice from those I love and respect.
I feel that emotional and physical support from those around us is key in helping us be successful as both individuals and as parents. It is essential that we give and receive help with raising children. We need to take the time to exchange babysitting services, arrange play dates and social outings, share information, and exchange ideas. We need to not only be a source of support to those in our villages but also allow those in our villages to support us.
so true, so very true. I find in my area an over-abundance of the Supermom. They don't ask for help..because they don't need it...and they will completely over-step you and take over your job too... I assume because I am so obviously clueless and over my head. It's been near hopeless finding a kindred spirit who also feels we should all raise one another up to do the best job possible. Somedays, I yearn to be more like them, and others I am glad I tripped over my cape long ago!
ReplyDeleteGreat comment! I think those that don't "need" the help either aren't being honest with themselves or maybe they aren't as connected as they should be. I am thinking that you don't need to be more like them….I find that the truest people are the ones that can admit they need help! I do believe that you will find your kindred spirit!
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