“The problems of the world . . . essentially are the problems of individuals. If individuals can change, the course of the world can change. Peaceful parenting for a peaceful world is a choice that every parent [and grandparent] can make.”
(This article was first published on the Yahoo
Contributors Network on June 2, 2013)
My wife brought into the world five magnificent children. As
a result, today, we enjoy eight grandchildren (we lost one grandson) and a
great granddaughter. My days then were busy maintaining a career, trying to
keep bread on the table and a roof over our heads, so I could not always help
with all the daily challenges of raising our children. Some weeks I worked 24/7,
and at times needed to spend time away from home for extended periods. When I had
the opportunity to spend quality time with our children, it was practically
impossible for it to be one-on-one.
Now, time is not an issue. Now, we are two gray-haired folks
who have achieved the exalted status of nana and papa. Now, as when we were
young, life continues to be all about the future. You see, this nana and papa
take care of two little grandsons, ages three and five, while their mother is
working. It makes for challenging days, yet joyful, fulfilled, and exciting. Our
lives now are all about helping their mom and dad to shape two little boys to become
responsible adults, who we will guide to attain wisdom and good hearts.
Every day, I look at our two little boys and realize with a
deep sense of fulfillment what my wife and I have contributed. I now have a
profound understanding of the purpose of life. I can tell you the trip has been
worthwhile.
Now I understand, more than ever, there cannot be anything
more important than the way we interact with children. I don’t think as a
younger man I fully realized that in the same way as I do now. If I had, I
would have found work that would have allowed me greater participation in my
children’s growth.
But my management career did lead me to a great book by
Thomas Harris, M.D., “I’m Ok --
you’re Ok,” that played a significant role in the way I managed, and in my
relationships with people. The concept of “I’m okay – you’re okay” now plays a significant
role in my relationship and interactions with those two little boys.
So, besides ensuring that our boys’ day is safe, healthy,
and happy, my goal is to end every day with our boys in a way that they feel
okay, I’m important that they feel good about themselves. The future belongs to
little boys and girls like our two little boys. The solutions to the problems
of the world lie with our children. The kind of individuals, parents, and
grandparents they become directly influence our future. Peaceful
parenting, using the principles of “I’m Ok -- You’re Ok,” is the key.
No one can satisfactorily argue with Dr. Harris’ view,
“The problems of the world . . . essentially are the problems of individuals.
If individuals can change, the course of the world can change. Peaceful
parenting for a peaceful world is a choice that every parent [and grandparent] can
make.”
Copyright © 2014 Horatio Green
