According to pediatrician, Gabor Mate, “The secret of parenting is not in what a parent does but rather who the parent is to a child. When a child seeks contact and closeness with us, be become empowered as a nurturer, a comforter, a guide, a model, a teacher or a coach.” Children require their parents’ attention and they need their parents’ love.
Lately, I have been disheartened thinking about how many children are not born into families with two emotionally available parents. More and more, there are children being born into single-parent families.
One of the best things we can do is build the self worth of our children. As our children’s self-esteem develops, they have an opportunity to live a life they deserve and will in turn possibly raise children who value themselves and are emotionally available to their children. Love is the most powerful force in this world, so tell your children you love them and spend as much quality time as you can. Soon enough, they will be grown and will pass along the teachings you have given them.