By now, most of us has come to accept that change is the very nature of life. When it comes to raising children and embracing the constant growth and change, it can be a little tough on a parent. Just as soon as we get used to a certain personality trait or interest that our child is exploring, he might change and seem like a very different person. I think one of our jobs as parents, however, is to create some space and make plenty of room for our child to head in new and different directions.
None of us wants to get pinned down or pigeon-holed into living out one role or having only one job, interest, hobby, hair cut, etc. for our entire life. Even those of us who do not take too warmly to change by nature, would still like to have the space to make changes when we want and need to. The same goes for our children. They may not feel like they CAN grow or change because we have them well-defined in their existing incarnation. After all, if they have always been the child who played sports, what will happen if they decide they would rather take ballet or dance classes instead? What happens if a child who has always been interested in science suddenly falls in love with drama? If we don’t make room for our children to change directions, they may refrain from exploring or embracing their evolving passions because they do not want to disappoint us.
It can be hard for a parent who has grown used to thinking of a child in a particular way. We may be very proud or happy that they show an aptitude for something and when they turn to something else, we might feel hurt or as if they are “wasting their time.” But, who are we, really, to decide what our children’s interests and passions and aptitudes will be? By making room, encouraging exploration and interests, and supporting them as they stretch their wings–we can be a help, and not a hindrance, on their path to adulthood and self-discovery.
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