The Other Sigh'd of the Story

As parents, we constantly worry about our children from the day they are born. The younger they are, the more control we have to make sure they are safe. Only child safe toys are allowed in the crib. We child proof our cabinets, install gates to block the stairs, padlock the access to the swimming pool, and bolt the gun cabinet.

We also question the job we have done to instill moral values. We provide guidance through countless hours of lectures:

• "Don't talk to strangers"
• "Dial 911 for an emergency"
• "Don't take candy from strangers" (except on Halloween)
• "No sex until your married; but if there is sex be safe!"
• "Live above the influence"

The older they get though, the harder it is to keep them safe. The best we can do is hope that they heard and retained 10% of those lectures, and have enough self confidence to make the right choices.

As parents, we need to continue to:

• "See" with our eyes -- Question any behavior that seems out of character. Our children are unique gifts, and we know them best. Changes in behavior may be a warning sign of a serious issue or a plea for help.
• "Listen" with our ears -- We only listen to the extend we are prepared to be changed by what we hear. It is very easy to jump to conclusions or assumptions based on what we observe. Until we open our minds to listen to our children and understand their point of view, we really don't know them at all.
• "Guide" with our hearts -- Understand our children need our guidance. Only after we create a safe environment for them to share all aspects of their life, can we truly provide them with the support and direction they need to navigate the most difficult courses in life.

Our toughest challenge as parents is to not prejudge or make assumptions. We need to be open to understand the other sigh'd of the story. Then and only then can we truly appreciate the individuality of our children.

Love, Laugh, LIVE!