The Resiliency of a Child
It’s almost laughable how many things we’re convinced kids need. If it isn’t one thing, it’s another. But the truth is we give our kids too much. Sure, you’re probably thinking, “Well yeah, but what’s it to you blogger boy? It’s my kid.” I’m here to say that not only are you giving him or her too much, you’re not giving them the one thing they need.
Leave your kids alone. Good grief! They don’t need all the stuff we cram down their throats. We’ve gotten to the point where we’ve mapped out their entire life before we’ve even heard their heartbeat for the first time. That’s lunacy at it’s finest level. We try to justify it with things like “I just want them to be happy” or “I’m trying to give them everything.”
It just makes me want to puke. I’m as guilty as anyone sometimes, but I also realized long ago that I can’t give C everything. If I’m giving her food, clothing,and shelter, I’m doin’ alright. She certainly isn’t complaining. She has what she needs and seems thankful for it.
I learned early that while structure is OK, it’s also good to let her mind wander. That’s what you’re supposed to do with kids. Let them daydream and just be kids. Do they really need a workaholic schedule when they’re 4? They’re going to get hurt, cry, mad and all that. You’re supposed to do that in life. Who wants a flatlined life where nothing interesting happens?
Kids are resilient. They’re surprisingly good at adapting to their surroundings and dealing with things. We shouldn’t worry so much about them when things get hard. They might not understand everything, but they’re good at accepting that there’s going to be some changes. Given the adventure of life I’ve gotten to live over the last five years, C has been remarkable. She’s not one to complain that things are hard. She doesn’t care about that. She gets her dad (and her mom), and that’s enough for her.
Leave your kids alone. They aren’t going to learn much if you’re wrapping them in bubble wrap. Not that I want your kids to live a hard life, but good grief, they aren’t made of crystal. They’re human. Let them learn. You’ll be impressed to watch them grow in this crazy adventure of life.