Celebrate the Life of a Child

August 11, 2008 by Tyler Hartle 

So often, today, we hear about the costs of having a child. These are usually described as economic, social or career costs. We hear talk of the sacrifices made by adults in their lives as a result of having a child.
It is sometimes easy to lose sight of what is important. In the middle of life’s busy pace, take time out to reflect on the ways a child contributes to your life.

A child enriches the lives of adults in many ways. Giving adults:

  • Their trust.
  • The chance to be a hero.
  • The chance to share in the magic and wonder of their world.
  • The chance to reflect on your own values, attitudes and assumptions about the world.
  • The chance to share in their fun and their laughter.
  • The chance to revisit your own childhood.
  • The chance to take time out from being a grown up.

Ways to tell a child they are important:

  • Show them that you are interested in them by spending time together, listening to them, joining in their play.
  • Celebrate their achievements, no matter how small.
  • Praise them for trying, no matter what the outcome.
  • Keep special reminders of their successes and milestones.
  • Let them help you do things.
  • Let them know it is OK to make mistakes; it is all part of learning.
  • Help them to build on their strengths.
  • Ask their opinion on things that affect them. It shows you care about what they think.
  • Help them to solve their own problems. Show them that you have faith in them.

Filed under: Education, Preventing Abuse, Prevention
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