(PART 2, because it is just so good.)

Parenting is a journey filled with moments that tug at our heartstrings. One of the most poignant of these is watching our children struggle. It's a delicate dance between offering guidance and allowing them to develop independence. In these moments of struggle, we convey profound messages to our children, even when we choose to step back and let them face challenges on their own.

Imagine a scenario: your child is in distress, grappling with a problem, and instead of swooping in with a quick fix, you ask, "What do you need from me – just to listen, to give you space, or to offer ideas?" This seemingly simple question carries immense significance and imparts a threefold message to your child: trust, strength, and love.

"I trust you."
Stepping back and allowing your child to tackle a problem sends a powerful message – "I trust you." This message conveys that you have faith in their abilities and that they can navigate life's twists and turns. It grants them the wings to soar toward their aspirations and ambitions, reinforcing their self-confidence.

"Your decision-making muscles are getting stronger."
Life is filled with choices, some easy and others incredibly challenging. Allowing your child to make decisions, even if they stumble along the way, is like a workout for their decision-making muscles. With each decision, they learn to assess situations, weigh options, and choose a course of action. This practice fosters their ability to tackle high-stakes situations in the future and helps them build the courage to face adversity head-on.

"I love you."
Love takes many forms in parenting. Sometimes, love is in the act of stepping back. Overloading your child with instructions can stem from fear, but offering them the space to grow, the freedom to learn, and the respect to make their choices is a warm and powerful embrace. This kind of love requires discipline, a discipline that nurtures trust and deepens the bond between you and your child.

Parenting is a delicate art, and balancing guidance and independence is crucial. It's akin to tending a garden – a tender, intricate process that nurtures the blossoming of resilience and wisdom. When you step back and let your child struggle, you're helping them grow into strong, capable individuals who know they are loved and trusted. So, embrace these moments of struggle, for they are the building blocks of your child's future.