Humans, by their nature, crave connection. From the moment we are born until our last breath, we strive to connect with others and one of the deepest and most meaningful bonds is that formed between parents and children. However, in the complexity of relationships, we often forget a fundamental truth: our children do not belong to us.
The Art of Raising Independent Thinkers and Empowered Individuals
They are their own entities, emerged from the vastness of the universe, manifestations of life itself. Though they are born of us, unfold through us and share our blood, they are not mere extensions of our existence.
They are complete individuals with dreams, aspirations, thoughts and emotions that are intrinsically theirs. We give love to our children, that unconditional and eternal love that only a parent can understand. But, as we share this love, we must not confuse it with possession.
We cannot and should not, impose our thoughts, our expectations, or our desires on them. They have their own minds, visions and perspectives that deserve to be heard and respected.
When we protect and care for their bodies, providing shelter, food and warmth, we must remember that their souls are untouchable. These souls live in a world beyond our understanding, a tomorrow we have yet to experience and can never fully visit. It’s a future in which our children will find their own way, shaping the world according to their will and vision.
The Wisdom of Letting Flow
The Perspective of Kahlil Gibran on Parenting
Free-Range Parenting: Navigating the River of Life without Imposing Limitations
In our desire to guide them, we often fall into the trap of wanting to mold them in our image. But life is a river that flows forward, it never stops and never goes back. Instead of trying to swim against the current, we must allow them to navigate it, learning and growing with every twist and turn.
As parents, we are archers and our children, the arrows. With the right tension, precise guidance and genuine love, we launch these arrows into the vast sky of the world. Our goal should not be to control their trajectory, but to ensure they fly freely towards happiness and success.
Kahlil Gibran, in his masterpiece “The Prophet”, left us this thoughtful legacy, a call to remember our true function. We are not here to tame or control but to nurture, love and, above all, respect. True education and support come from allowing freedom, not from imposing limitations.
It is crucial to recognize that the responsibility of parents is not to mold or train children according to pre-established social standards. Rather, it is about appreciating their uniqueness, encouraging their natural talents and ensuring they are not stifled by the expectations and norms of the external world.
Ultimately, every child is a gift, a promise of what is to come. By embracing this truth, we not only enrich their lives but also our own.
