When we adults think of children there is a simple truth which we ignore:
Childhood is not preparation for life. Childhood IS life.
A child isn’t getting ready to live, a child is living. The child is constantly confronted with the nagging question, “What are you going to be?” Courageous would be the youngster who, looking the adult square in the face, would say, “I’m not going to be anything; I already am.”
We adults would be shocked by such an insolent remark for we have forgotten, if indeed we ever knew, that a child is an active participating and contributing member of society from the time he is born.
Childhood isn’t a time when he is molded into a human who will then live life; he is a human who is living life.
No child will miss the zest and joy of living unless these are denied her by adults who have convinced themselves that childhood is a period of preparation.
How much heartache we would save ourselves if we would recognize the child as a partner with adults in the process of living, rather than always viewing her as an apprentice.
How much we would teach each other…adults with the experience and children with the freshness.
How full both our lives could be.
A little child may not lead us, but at least we ought to discuss the trip with him, after all, life is his and her journey, too.
Professor T. Ripaldi
These are my thoughts on living a healthy and simple life. I'm a modern mom with some simple ideas, a little common sense and a natural philosophy. This is the sanest way I know how to navigate the 21 century.
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What a refreshing way to look at the life of a child! You are so right, and I am guilty of having done this myself. Thank you for reminding us that kids are already doing what they are meant to do. Reminds of something I heard Dr. Phil say to a young mom some years ago, that when your child is born, “your child joins your life, not the other way around.” Very true.
Love this post. Love the quote: A little child may not lead us, but at least we ought to discuss the trip with him, after all, life is his and her journey, too.