Our children are our future

There is a saying that there are two things we can give to our children -- our roots and their wings. As we look to the new year of 2009, perhaps the best gift we can provide our children is not all the electronic games, dolls, toys, cars, clothes or money. We may want to take stock in providing a more meaningful approach to the uncertainty of the times and.

We face double-digit unemployment, an increase in crime, a lack of trust in government and a reduction of many services. We will have to face the future with a determined purpose to make life better for our children and their future. We must give them both roots and wings to survive and to soar.

What are the roots our children need? Why is it critical they have them? Botanist will tell us that trees that are tall and vibrant have roots that are deep and well grounded. Our children need roots that are well grounded and steeped in a positive value system. Parents provide roots by providing a safe and orderly home; food and medicine when needed; values, religion, philosophy and trust; respect for self and others; honesty; sense of family and belonging to the smaller community; and sense of community and belonging to the larger community.

Also, parents train children in the art of service, with a sense of serving others and returning kindness and a love of education and appreciation for the arts, sports and music. By providing the needed roots, children will be like a big strong tree that is planted by the water. These children will grow strong and become vibrant citizens who one day will give back to our society.

Why the wings? What will wings provide our children? In an effort for our children to be completely successful and return to society a meaningful contribution, it is necessary to also provide them with wings. Wings are the spiritual and philosophical opportunities that will give direction for children to succeed. These wings will include support for the dreams and aspirations of children and encouragement for children to follow their dreams.

Wings also means providing finances for pursuing their dreams and training for their career objectives. Children need still more encouragement, daily, even constant encouragement; and opportunities that will foster their career goals.

Sometimes, the best thing parents can do is to stay out of the way. Often parents try to re-live their lives by being overly involved in every aspect of their children’s lives. Sometimes we must stay out of their way to let them fly. Giving our children their roots and wings will help establish them as a valuable member of our community and provide a better future for them and us.

We need our youth with strong roots and wings.