Of Birds and Nests

From FOCUS ON THE FAMILY, Today, 16-May-2008 edition

 

Of Birds And Nests

By Dr James Dobson

 

One of the most difficult passages in life occurs when a child

grows up and leaves home. As parents, we should look for

opportunities to prepare our kids and ourselves for this

important transition.

 

I remember an occasion when our children were young.

A little bird had built its nest in a rose bush in our backyard

and our kids were fascinated by the baby birds. I warned them

to keep their distance.

 

But one day, Danae got a little too close and frightened the birds,

causing them to jump out of the nest. We tried putting them back,

but just as soon as we did, they would jump out and run again.

 

I used the experience to teach Danae a very valuable lesson.

I told her: “You see, Danae, once you’ve jumped out of our nest

and seen the adult world, you will never again feel the same way

about living here. You’ll want to come for a visit, and you will always be

welcome – but it will never be quite the same. You will be a grown-up

and will want to have your own home. That’s just the way the

system works.”

 

In that brief moment, I was able to lay the groundwork for a

future phase of her life. It was a simple lesson, but one that she

understood. And when the time did arrive for her to go off

to university, it made the transition that much easier. You can

find ways to convey that same message to your children.