Time spent together between a parent and a child is
precious. The bond that is formed between mother and daughter or father and son
in the early years is everlasting. By talking, a parent and a child learn to
feel comfortable with each other, to open up and share.
A child can be therapeutic for a parent. Getting in
touch with long forgotten memories stirs up emotions we have sometimes become
unaware of. To see our children smile, to hear them laughing and to be there
for the special moments in their lives is priceless.
Similarly, a parent can be the compass and the anchor
in a child’s life. A mom or dad can be a child’s best friend without ever
having to compromise discipline or authority. Being there for our children on a
consistent, regular basis is very important, especially in their younger years
when there are so many questions and so many fears. To share time together is
healthy for both, and when the importance of spending time together is
overlooked, this can become a parent’s greatest regret.
Is there anything more important than for parents to
spend time with their “little ones”? I find it hard to imagine. A mother, who spends
time with her “little one” as Anna did with Ellie, will give her child self-confidence
and a wisdom the child could hardly get anywhere else. Experiencing happy moments
from the time we are small is very important. And no moments are more precious
or happy to children than those spent with their parents. A parent who is there
to listen is more valuable than any material thing parents could possibly buy
for their children. Parents who are aware of and care about what their “little
ones” think important will diminish the risk of disappointing them. Parents who
are sensitive to their children’s desires and dreams will be much more likely
to make their children happy.
For a child, there are things that are of terrible
importance, but a grown-up might not understand that unless the adult spends a
lot of time with that child. The problem is not that the adult is indifferent
to the child’s feelings, but that the adult is simply not in tune with what is
going on in the child’s life. And parents might be so involved in their adult
world that they have forgotten what was important when they were children
themselves. It is just too easy for us to forget how important some things are
when we are little. Children are very keen observers, and when children see
that their parents are paying attention, they learn to rely on their parents
for the rest of their lives.
It is true that many parents are working very hard
trying to provide as much as they can for their children. This is admirable.
But it would be a wonderful thing if every couple could try to have at least
one parent at home, even if this means sacrificing some material comforts.
There is nothing that is impossible for a heart that is determined. If we are
determined to change our schedules, to change our lives, we will be able to do
it.
True, in
today’s world, there are many single parents, and sometimes it is just not
possible for a parent to be home. All we can do is do the best we can. But many
parents do have a choice. Many could change things, but don’t. Maybe in their
minds they want to provide more for their children. But think about this: There
is nothing more valuable or more important to give your children than to give
them the gift of YOU!
Wisdom to contemplate:
“With your whole heart honor your father;
your mother’s birth pangs forget not.
Remember, of these parents you were born;
what can you give them for all they gave you?”
(Sirach 7:27)
“Let your father and mother have joy; let her who bore you
exult.”(Proverbs 23:25)
