To love a child.
I started babysitting at age 9. I was still a child then. But, I started to learn at that young age how to take care of and love children. I was not really able to take care of myself that well but I learned how to care for others.I learned about what children needed and did everything in my power to help them get those things. On this trip I have heard and learned so much about mothers. Mothers of fellow squad mates who have hurt their children in one way or another, mothers in Romania who abandoned their small children leaving them to fend for themselves, and mothers of children here in Cambodia who sell their children for sex on order to get money.Children learn so much from their parents. That is where they form most of their ideas about their value and worth. I am not a mother. I do not by any means have all the answers but over the past 13+ years I have been able to shape my beliefs on how these little princes and princesses should be treated. Here are just a few ideas.
Children need value( especially daughters).
They need to be told often that they are beautiful, that they are princes/princesses, that they are loved. They need to know that you are proud of them.
They need guidance.
Hold their hand but don’t grasp it to tightly. Provide them with structure and knowledge and care. But, also allow them to discover and explore things on their own.
They need forgiveness.
Just like you children are going to make mistakes. They are going to disappoint you and make you angry. They are going to draw on the walls. They are going to scream at you and call you names. Maybe they will even crash your car when they get older. But, they need to be forgiven and shown grace. They also need to know that grown ups are not perfect either. They need to know that no one in the world is perfect and that it’s ok.
They need their youth and innocence.
They should never be told to “grow up”. They should be able to climb trees and play games. They should be able to be with their friends often and laugh even more often. They should be able to do art projects ,and dress up, and make messes. They should grow up believing in Neverland and imagining fighting or being a pirate.
They need acceptance.
They need to know that being unique and not like everyone else is the most beautiful thing they can be. They need to be encouraged to embrace who they are and love themselves and they need to be loved and embraced by you.
The need to be empowered.
Never underestimate a child. I have learned some of the most valuable lessons in my life from children even babies have taught me things. Be teachable.
They need love.
So simple, yet so hard at the same time. But when they are holding your hand, looking into your eyes, kissing you on the cheek, singing a you a song, drawing you a picture, asking to be held, and saying “I love you” I hope you are able to not only say but express it back. When they are wanting to be just like you when they grow up… when they want to be teachers ,or moms,or dads… I hope and pray that they had a positive example on how to truly love a child.
Oh and a little candy never hurt anything 😉
