The JOY and CHALLENGE of Encouraging Children To Be Independent

to the Voice of Change and the Week-end Edition, devoted to the ART of Being with Children.  Today's topic is an extension of yesterday's conversation about creating a home environment/s where children LOVE to play independently. When we decide to "want" our children to become more free, and not SO dependent on us as the parent, sometimes, there can be a resistance, almost at the subconscious level.  Because, perhaps at some level we DO want them dependent on us. I have three wonderful children and have always loved being MOTHER, however, I did need/require times throughout the day, times when the children and I were together but in silence for the most part.  My intention as a parent was to raise self-sufficient children, so I was able to easily move into supporting them in doing that.  As I reflect on this topic today, I'm realizing that creating this atmosphere was a process.  Change does not happen overnight usually, and yet there is always that possibility that it can. It can be an adjustment for ourselves as well as for our children.  Life is such a GIFT! A time for always learning and a deeper self-discovery of what our inner self likes and needs.