Dream, Child, Dream

Langston Hughes wrote the following poem:

Harlem (Dream Deferred)

BY LANGSTON HUGHES

What happens to a dream deferred?

      Does it dry up

      like a raisin in the sun?

      Or fester like a sore—

      And then run?

      Does it stink like rotten meat?

      Or crust and sugar over—

      like a syrupy sweet?

      Maybe it just sags

      like a heavy load.

      Or does it explode?

  Children always dream big! Imagination coupled with their innocence leaves little if any room for limitations. Dreams are important. They give us something to hope, strive and reach for. Dreams give us a reason to live. Guard your child's dreams from words that would put them in a box limiting their thinking, killing their hopes or blinding them so that they have no vision. The most powerful thing you can do to encourage your child to dream is to have one of your own. Talk about your dreams with your children and allow them to see you working towards making your dream a reality.  Langston Hughes asked a very important question, "What happens to a dream deferred?" He gives us scenarios to ponder over...each one more sickening to the imagination than the previous one. Don't allow your children to defer there dreams, even if they seem impossible and unreachable in your mind; speak to them and tell them, "Dream, child, dream". 


Have a fantabulous day! We'll talk again soon.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

RESPECT! Merriam-Webster defines respect as high or special regard (worth).  Having worked with many children and families (personally and professionally) over the past 20 years, I realize that many children are either no longer being taught about respect or they just don't understand the importance of it. Many parents teach their children that an individual has to earn respect and in a way that's true; however, respect in its truest form is given so that it can be earned. I observe children and their parents interacting with each other and trust me, whatever behavior parents demonstrate around their children, nine times out of ten, it is displayed in the behavior/actions of the child. "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart (deviate) from it." --Proverbs 22:6 I encourage you to teach your child the meaning and importance of respect  As a child I was taught that every individual should be held in high or special regard no matter what their status in life. My elders were quick to remind me that when I was out of their sight I represented them and that my actions towards others demonstrated what I was being taught at home.  Did I always do the right thing? NO! However, the majority of the time I displayed the standards that had been set in my mother's home and by the people that were part of the "village"**.  Even if your child is a teenager and you're wondering if it's too late, I believe it is better late than never. Be as honest as you can with your young one and explain to them that you realize you need to teach them a few values, that somewhere in the midst of life happening you may have neglected to teach them.  By all means whatever standard you set be sure to practice what you preach. Start by teaching them about RESPECT and be sure to add the word "self" to the front of it. Acknowledging that each of us should hold ourselves in high or special regard (worth). 


Have a fantabulous day! We'll talk again soon.


**Village refers to the topic of the April 26, 2012 post

It Takes a Village to Raise a Child

Let's face it, being a parent is probably the most challenging but rewarding job there is. Whether you're a parent or like me, you've had the wonderful opportunity of helping others raise their children, you know it's not easy. I'm a southern girl and a product of the African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child".  My mother was a divorced, working mother of five children and she is the first to admit, that without the love and support of her aunts and uncles, she doesn't know how she would have made it. I can honestly believe that my mom's struggles and challenges with my siblings and me would have been far greater if it weren't for my great aunts and uncles who gave their time, love, wisdom and even finances to support my mom. I encourage you, whether you're  married or a single parent, to find yourself a village.  Your village is a circle of people whom you can trust and who truly have your family's best interest at heart. These are the people who will play a key role in the development of your children. They will have a hand in everything from taking your child to daycare/school, keeping them when you need a break, disciplining them when necessary,etc. The "village" is also needed so your children know they have other people they can turn to for advice, because no matter how much of an open communication relationship you have with your child there is always something that they feel they just can't talk to you about. Widen your circle and build a village for your child. You'll be so glad you did.