“Good parents give their children roots and wings. Roots to know where home is, wings to fly away and exercise what’s been taught them.” — Jonas Salk
Roots are easy. But how do you give your children wings to fly? I still struggle with the wings. It is so counter to everything in me as a mom. Or shall I say a protective mama bird who really doesn’t want hurt chicks? And yet, it is one of the most important things we can do. It is a gift only you can give.
Give your child wings and you give them a much deeper learning experience. The moms who fear the sorrow of their child growing up have a tendency to clip their child’s wings. They inadvertently hold their child back from the adventure God is planning for them. As a parent, it is so much better to let them go.
Give your child wings and you give them your confidence–your blessing. You say to them in your actions, “I know you can do it. I believe in you.” Whether we realize it or not this process of taking flight doesn’t begin at 18 it begins when they are young.
Giving a child wings starts when they are young…
- let them try to tie their shoes no matter how long it takes.
- let them take risks, take the training wheels off when they are ready not when you are ready.
- allow them to see your fear of the unknown and see your faith in God to get you through it.
And continues when they are older…
- let them fail in school, in sports and with friends, comfort them but don’t fix it for them.
- let them take opportunities to stretch, to do things outside their comfort zone.
- help them apply their own faith to their own fears.
And then you can confidently let them fly…
- be brave for them
- be proud of them
- give thanks and be thankful that they have wings
- be encouraging as they go
- pray every day for them
Be happy for them as they go! Remember that as painful as it is, it is at the core of what you really want–to know that one day when you are gone they will have the faith, joy, and strength to fly as high and far as God allows.
