When you get married, you make vows to each other. You promise to love, honor and cherish each other in good times, bad times, in sickness and health, for richer or poorer. When you have children, you make similar vows to them. They are completely dependent on us for all their needs. We vow to take care of them, love them, and cherish them no matter what. We need to be there for them when they are sick, happy, sad, scared, tired, or fussy. They need to know their parents will always be there for them and love them no matter what. Being a parent is hard, challenging, constant and rewarding. It is a lifelong commitment. It can bring more joy and sorrow than anyone can imagine. We need to teach them how to succeed in life. We need to show them how to be a loving person. We can teach them honesty or deceit, trust or skepticism. We must teach them strength and ethics. We need to be an example to them in every way. Children are "magical thinkers". They believe in fairy tales, Santa Claus, and monsters under the bed. This can be a blessing. We need to nurture that magical thinking and encourage them to keep the hope and joy in their lives as they grow up and forge their own path in life. Letting go as they grow is not an easy task. But, being a parent is the most exciting, terrifying, joyous and fulfilling experience in the world. It just may not feel that way every minute of every day.
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