I heard a story about how scientists created a Biosphere in Arizona to try and create a perfect environment. There were many findings but one of the most poignant things to me was that the trees would grow faster but then not make it to maturity. After looking at the probable causes they found that the trees lacked wind. Due to a lack of adversity, they did not grow strong roots and they did not grow “stress wood” which trees need to stand strong.
I started thinking of the application this has to our lives and the lives of my own children and the children I work with. If I could I would protect them from any and all harm – it is a mom’s instinct. However, looking back at the lives of my adult children, I realize that they grew the strongest through seasons of adversity. If I had swooped in and taken all the pain away (though that is impossible) I would have robbed them from their story…their own history. Like the trees, they needed to go through hardships to grow strong roots.
So, as you parent your children, remember the hard times grow them. Walk with them, be with them and listen to them. The building of resilience is difficult but oh so necessary in life.
If there is anything I can do to support you, please do not hesitate to reach out.