Honoring Childhood: Making the Most of This Brief but Crucial Time

Compared to the time span of an average human life, the childhood years are a flashing moment gone before we know it. But although childhood is brief, we should never underestimate the degree to which it sets the tone for the rest of a person's life. We can see, easily enough, how children's bodies develop and grow more rapidly in the first several years of their lives than they ever will thereafter. What might not be so obvious is how the mind, emotions, and spirit are all going through equally momentous changes during this time.

If so much is occurring throughout childhood, then we as parents will naturally want to take advantage of the opportunity, while we have the chance, to make it as nurturing for our children as possible. This prospect can feel frightening when we start thinking about all the unknowns of the world out there, all the factors beyond our control. Our first step may be to consider how to build a strong foundation at home so that our children can develop the strength of character and will to face the challenges of life when we're no longer there to protect them. The brevity of childhood means that the time is drawing near - perhaps quicker than we realize - when we'll have to learn to let go of them. The Serenity Prayer comes to mind at times like these.

In the meantime, let us provide an environment for them that will allow their wonderful potential to unfold. Child educators and psychologists have often remarked about how young children learn mainly through imitation. What is seldom pointed out, however, is that children imitate what they see in the world around them because they assume that the world is safe. We might have our own doubts about the matter, but there's no reason why we should impress our fears upon our young ones. They need to trust their environment and be given the freedom (within healthy boundaries) to explore it. Creative activities like reading and/or listening to stories, drawing, painting, handwork, drama and outdoor play can all foster a sense in them that the world is enjoyable and responsive. Excessive exposure to media like television, movies and video games, on the other hand, can expose them to content that makes them fearful or prone to distrust and early cynicism.

How children live through the first ten years or so of their lives will profoundly affect how they experience the world as adults. An early life experience that is filled with creativity, physical activity, and healthy social interaction helps a child to trust the surrounding world; and life is kindest to us when we expect only the best things to come from it. Honoring childhood and making the most of the brief time that it's here with us can be one of the most important gifts that we give to our young ones.