Showing up for our kids happens on many levels of participation.
We try to create a comfortable and abundant home life.
We try to create and endorse safety in the world.
We show up where our kids need us, from activities of daily living, to instilling values; in the more demanding times, and in play.
And we show up for kid’s questions, and pay attention to what we’re modeling.
But what happens when the questions get hard for us to answer?
What happens when kids stop asking what the stars are made of and if the tooth fairy will come, -- but instead ask about sexuality, teen issues, alcohol, marijuana, other drug use, cigarettes, the internet, media, politics, gender issues, racism, war?
Have you thought ahead about how you'll respond honestly and clearly?
If your kids are old enough to ask, it means they are ready for an answer.
Are you ready to answer openly?
Do you know what your values are?
“Transparent” comes from a Latin word that means “to appear”, and that’s what you’re doing when you are being honest and transparent, you show up, you appear as your kids need you. And they need you to tell the truth about the world. The context for that truth are your family values.
Your children are looking to you constantly as the model of adulthood. As a parent you are seeing your kids as the miracle of creation, creativity, and possibility.
So ask yourself the hard questions before your kids ask you.
Be prepared for The Questions. Coming soon to a dinner table near you.
Transparent and honest answers will help shape your children's values, and build the levels of trust necessary for any successful and happy family.
Robert Allen
www.approachingintegrity.com
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