Children Need Roots and Wings

"Good parents give their children Roots and Wings." --Jonas Salk

The first time I heard this quote, it made me think. The two sound contradictory - roots and wings: one to tie us to the ground and the other to enable us to fly away.

As I thought about it, however, I realized that, in fact, it clearly summed up the two primary responsibilities we have as parents: to provide a safe, nurturing environment in which our children can grow, and to prepare them for the time when they will "leave the nest."

So how do we give our children roots and wings?

Of course the roots come first. We provide a safe home where our children develop a sense of belonging, and where they can grow and become strong.

To help our children develop strong roots, we can learn a few thing from gardeners. They will tell you that, when you first plant a seed, you don't see any progress for some time. The seeds send down their roots into the soil first, long before the tiny shoots appear above ground. So the gardener learns patience, trusting the natural process.

As parents, we need to have the same patience and trust the process.

Roots serve two purposes: they give the plant stability, by going deep and holding it to the ground. They also provide nourishment through the water and minerals that are drawn in.

Stability and nourishment. We parents provide the same things.

Stability:

Of course, by providing for their physical needs - a home, food, clothing - we create the framework of stability. But there is so much more.

We also need to provide an atmosphere that is nurturing, supporting, and safe - emotionally as well as physically. In this way, we give our children a sense of belonging and security.

Nourishment:

Just as plants draw water and other nutrients from the soil to support their growth, our children depend on us for their nurturing. Our words of encouragement and appreciation, our guidance, and especially our love - these are the nourishment they receive from us.

To provide a stable and nurturing home for your children:

The Most Powerful Question a Parent Can Ask?

The question I have for you drives right to the... Read More

Teaching Your Children About the Value of Money

We take it for granted that children know how money... Read More

My Teenaged Parents

Frankly, as a single parent of young children, I struggled.... Read More

The Benefits of Music Education

Despite serious reductions in funding for arts programs in... Read More

10 Points on Children for the New Parent

I remember when my daughter was born, later my son.... Read More

Taking Home Souvenirs, Not Junk

Gift shops are a kid magnet and often a trip... Read More

A Little Love, Please?

Article based on a friend's experienceI just wanted to share... Read More

What Might Surprise You About Childhood Obesity

The formula is pretty straightforward: energy in/energy out. This is... Read More

Are Public Schools A Menace To Your Kids? -- 11 Danger Signals

Parents, do you have children who do poorly in school,... Read More

How to Prepare for Labor

Although nothing anybody says can ever completely prepare a woman... Read More

Theres Never a Bad Time To Start Helping To Spread The Word of God

Q. What's the right age to start giving a Bible... Read More

The Secret To Keeping Kids Interested on Family Vacations

Vacations and trips are great family events, but how do... Read More

Educational Jigsaw Puzzles, How Educational Are They?

Many companies advertise their products as being educational. How much... Read More

Three Tips to Get Children with Sleeping Problems Asleep

According to the American Sleep Association 70% of all babies... Read More

Parents Demand Dumbed-down Tests:An Unintended Bad Consequence of the No Child Left Behind Act

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is making... Read More

Guide To Choosing Educational Toys For Children

In the last few years, parents started getting more and... Read More

Potty Training Battle of the Wills

Some children practically potty train themselves, while others struggle and... Read More

Kids Party Etiquette for Parents

Ever feel like you're out of the loop when it... Read More

5 Tips for Improving Communication With Your Teenager

Parents are always looking for ways to open up the... Read More

Discipline Without Damage

If your parenting methods include abuse of any kind; physical,... Read More

Parents Need to Vent Anger! Try These 4 Steps to Serenity

Parents are losing their self-control to anger. A friend called... Read More

10 keys to Developing Your Childs Genius

Would you like your child to be the best that... Read More

Role Models for Your Teen

By the time your children reach their teens, there is... Read More

How Kids Learn To Cooperate In Video Games -- A Guide for Parents and Teachers

A great many parents are concerned that the electronic games... Read More

Let Kids Help

One fantastic way to get your children involved in what... Read More