It's a joint effort

We are not meant to slog through it all alone. We have family and friends to help us.

This includes the children. In many cultures, children "work" right along side their parents. They learn the ways of their group through direct exposure to daily tasks. When they are young, they play with the tools and practice. As they get to be about school aged they are right in there doing what is expected.

Most of us live with many conveniences we take for granted. We have dishwashers and washing machines. We have vacuum cleaners and cleansers. We can buy prepared foods that we just need to microwave to heat up. It's not surprising that children may think that no help is needed. And we adults sometimes find it easier to just do "it" ourselves rather than ask the kids to help. But there are many things needed to keep a household running smoothly, and many ways that children can be included in this. Even before children are school aged, we can let them know that this requires a joint effort.

This joint effort also applies to development. We offer support to help children develop to their full potential physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially. But once they are out in the world, at school or with friends, they are learning many things outside of our protective hold. They will become unique individuals. "It takes a village" to raise a child. And soon they are having more and more say about what they want and who they will become. Then, our job is to trust and let go.

For daily reminders, consider purchasing Guiding Their Way - Day by Day (upper left).

Happy New Year

The new year just began here 30 minutes ago. I can't believe how quickly time passes. It is hard to believe that 10 years ago we were worried about Y2K and what the effect would be on computers, etc. Nothing, not even a whisper. And here we are, life chugs along. Justifiable economic fears, wars rage on, children and families struggle. That's just some of the bad news.

And at the same time, many people are incredibly generous. They go out of their way to be supportive and helpful to others. I saw "The Blind Side" (and quite a few other movies) and then the 20/20 interviews with the real people. I was so impressed with their willingness to support a boy from an entirely different way of life. What would the world be like if we all reached out to others like this?

Well, the new year is upon us. How can we demonstrate our generosity to others? What can we do to show children that we are ALL brothers and sisters? How can we unite to solve the problems that plague our planet? What does tomorrow hold? There is no time like the present!

Blessings and peace to all! Glo