SIDE THOUGHTS - Raising Children

As we raise two children, I realize that raising children is like caring for a lawn. The grass does grow by itself, but it needs help. It needs to have harmful things - weeds, bugs, etc. - removed; it needs nutrients and water and sun; it needs constant attention....one day it looks fine, and if neglected for just a little while, it does not look good anymore. If you go too long without taking care of it, it is very difficult to bring it back to a good condition.

I find that children constantly need maintenance, constantly need attentions, constantly need correction, re-enforcement, and constantly need encouragement. Cannot stop...even a little neglect shows.

But of course, too much maintenance does not allow you to enjoy the lawn...and overwatering, overweeding, and overcutting can actually hurt the lawn. There are times you want to just enjoy the lawn, not think about what needs to be done with the lawn.

Same with children...I find that you must also give them a chance to be themselves, to breathe, to fend for themselves and to learn for themselves. Sometimes, it is good to relax and just enjoy them as they are. You can always do the maintenance tomorrow.