Childhood is by far one of the most influential times in a person’s life. If you look at it from an agricultural perspective, childhood is the time when all kinds of seeds are planted. How the seeds grow and the harvest they produce is largely dependent on the type of environment the seeds developed in.
Now, we never physically see the root of the seed take shape because it’s under the surface in the soil. But we know that whatever is underneath will eventually sprout into a visible harvest.
As I began my conscious parenting journey I had to go back in time and think about all the seeds that took root and shaped my perspective on how I was going to raise my children. I realized there were some deep rooted cultural and religious ideologies I had to question, challenge and let go of in order to redefine the way I was going to parent.
How the seeds grow and the harvest they produce is largely dependent on the type of environment the seeds developed in.
I call it Root Work, and by Root Work I mean going back into your childhood and
remembering the things you were taught to believe, remember the things you saw,
remember how it made you feel, and remember when you knew something wasn’t right but you dismissed it because everyone else said, “This is normal.”
The root is where it all happens. So, if you’re looking to redefine generational parenting behaviors, start at the root. Look inward. Challenge yourself by examining how you were raised.
Research.
Read.
Discuss.
Listen to understand.
Step outside your community of influence and go learn about life from another person’s experience in order to help expand your limited perspective.
Then take the new information and perspective and use them to teach your children a more conscious way of understanding themselves and others.
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