Three Main Ways to Clip those Wings of Time Flying

 We all know how time can go by too quickly. This is especially true if you’re a parent. You’re busy with your day to day life and then one day you look around, and your children are asking for the keys to the car. If you’re a new parent and just starting out, there are a lot of things that you can do to make your kids growing up easier on your self. Your easiest way to approach your parenting role is to think positive! Letting your kids grow and learn will give them a sense of independence, and in the end they will value their relationship with you.  Your guidance and direction will give them a self confident attitude.

How do you clip your wings from them, and let them fly free?

Answer: One step at a time.

In the end it’s not easy to let your children move on. You will have to watch them walk out of that door for college or a job. Don’t be disheartened though, there are things you can do that will help ease this separation and both of you will gain a lot of independence; it will just be gradual and much less painful.

The following list will help you and your children achieve happiness.

Ages 1 – 4 years old. It’s best to start when the children are young. It’s a good idea to begin by letting your child learn success and failure with small tasks when they are very young. Whether they are inserting plastic donut shapes on a ring, or picking up cereal with their young infant hands, they are learning and growing. Show them how, and step back and let them practice. You’ll hear cries of frustration but leave them alone, and step in only when you feel it’s appropriate with lots of encouragement and smiles.

Ages 5 – 12 years old. There are a lot of physical and mental changes at this stage. A desire for independence, and a let me do it myself is in play. The hard part for you is to know how to slip in and help without them really knowing it. Buy toys and games that are age appropriate and just right for small hands. Have the courage to step back and let them try. New parents often feel the need to take over when their young one is desperately trying to put that toy together. Give them several attempts and then calmly ask if they need help. A little reverse psychology goes a long way too, such as walking away and waiting for them to approach you when it just doesn’t work. Remember to give them more responsibility that’s appropriate too. Physical rewards are good, such as an allowance, but don’t overdo the payment. It makes them realize that most things in life have a real price, and must be earned. Continue to encourage them even when they fail.

Ages 13 – 18 years old. Experience tells second time parents that the joy of childhood has now slipped into the past. A real experience awaits the parent of a teenager. This doesn’t necessarily mean a bad thing, just totally different. Now more than ever you’ll need patience and a very good memory! Independence takes a real step forward, and you’ll be required to chauffeur your child to activities and functions, and the boy and girl thing will start in earnest. It can be scary for you, but if you’ve clipped your wings gradually, and taught them well it will be less stressful. Driving a car is the sure sign of approaching adulthood. You can set rules and guidelines on use. Of course some will be more willful, but you can take away the keys too. It might be good to let them experience what paying for insurance is like by requiring them to hold a part time job at 16, or even letting them make the car payment. Again be ready for those unexpected moments of need. Be ready to help and encourage with solid advice.

So letting go can be more enjoyable with these tips and tricks for you. There still may be times when you just can’t let go, but in the end letting them fly free to experience their world is the best gift you can give them. They will make mistakes, and run home to seek the advice of their parents. Be there for them with an encouraging word and understanding, knowing that you’ve given them wings to fly.