By Sally Saint
Many years ago I remember reading a quote and it was something along these lines, “I do not kiss my child so he will kiss me back, I kiss my child so he will kiss his child.” I took it to heart and never once asked my child to return a kiss or hug.
They were wise words and something I agreed with wholeheartedly when I read the quote. For my heart encouraged me to have zero expectation of my child, regarding returning what I was giving him. I gave from my heart, I gave because it felt right and I gave unconditionally.
So every hug, every kiss, every soothing word and every time I picked him up, I didn’t expect it to return. But to my wonder and joy it has.
As we enter the summer holidays in the UK, it is the time of year where we have extended quality time with our children. It is so needed and a really healthy “check in” time, to see and feel how things are with your child, with yourself and with the bond you share as parent and child.
On entering this holiday it has been with great joy for myself, the love and gentleness my son has shown me, it is he who reaches out and hugs me, and shows me such affection. It is truly heartening that at the age of seven, he so openly returns that which I have given him.
It means so very much, for as I wrote above, I have given unconditionally. I believed and respected the quote I had read many years before. It is such a gift to have this gentle boy show such beauty of spirit.
There is a real need for the divine masculine in this world, the realisation that males can and are meant to be gentle as well as strong; this rebalance starts with ourselves. Allow ourselves to see this manifestation in balanced male energy and honour how and why we parent why we do.
We all make a difference, to our children, to ourselves and the world. One little boy reminds me every day of this fact. As parents we are truly blessed. Enjoy the journey.
Sally Saint is a mother to an amazing 7 year old son, woman, healer, artist, walker of this path of life. She is passionate about natural parenting as it is in line with parenting from the heart. Her life has given her many experiences and she wishes to share and support others on this path. Her website is www.sallysaint.co.uk.
