The parent-child equation – Part 2

Conversely, there are dividends: an amazing insight or an unexpected expression of love:

“A rose can say I love you,
Orchids can enthrall.
But a weed bouquet in a chubby fist -
Oh my, that says it all.”
- Barbara Johnson

If you consider yourself lucky in the kind of children you have, then you probably have children who are lucky in the kind of parents they have: you are obviously doing something right!

Here are some more lines of advice, echoing down the ages, to keep you on the right track:

“The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” – Denis Waitley.

“Respect the child. Be not too much his parent. Trespass not on his solitude.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson.

“I firmly believe that doors were invented for closing, that each member of a family is entitled to be alone when he wants; that “togetherness” should be a matter of emotional rapport and not mere physical proximity.” – Sydney J. Harris.

“A good family life is never an accident, but always an achievement by those who share it.” – James Bossard.

“A good laugh is sunshine in the house.” – William Makepeace Thackeray.

“Everybody needs a hug. It changes your metabolism.” – Leo Buscaglia.

“Do not underestimate a child, or overestimate a grownup.” – Akbar Ali H. Jetha.

“The best thing you can give children, next to good habits, are good memories.” – Sydney J. Harris.

“The best time to put children to bed is whenever they’ll go.” – Dave Preston.

“The word “no” carries a lot more meaning when spoken by a parent who also knows how to say yes.” – Joyce Maynard.

“The best security blanket a child can have is parents who respect each other.” – Jan Blaustone.

There are many factors that strike at the very heart of this essential human relationship: the stressors of our fast-paced lives and the shrinking globe, depersonalization courtesy the latest advances in communication technology, cellular phones, computers and the Internet . Even so, millions of parents give it their best shot, doing what they believe is the most advantageous for their kids, making sacrifices, undergoing hardships… while trying to snatch time together in their busy lives.

Henry Ward Beecher has the last word:
“There is no friendship, no love,” he affirms, “like that of the parent for the child.”

© Sosha Srinivasan