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I like to imagine my children as tight rope walkers. If a person wanted to learn to walk a tight rope there are two ways they could go. They could begin slow and steady with an experienced person with them and a net below, or they could be pushed out onto the rope alone.

To me the first scenario would be much more likely to create a confident tight rope walker. Someone who feels safe and secure in their abilities and certain that even if they do fall there is a net below to catch them. To my children I am their safety net, the safe place they can fall should they lose their balance. Knowing that they have me below them gives them more confidence to go farther, try harder, and do more.

Children, just like adults, have needs. When those needs are met they feel more secure, better able to venture out further on the tight rope. Each child's need will be different, but when met they will still help create a feeling of safety. Some children need to sleep with a parent during the night. Meeting that need helps them to feel more confident to sleep on their own when they are ready. Some young infants need to be carried often. Meeting that needs lets them know that no matter how far they run I will still be right here to hold them. When we meet their needs they feel secure and their confidence increases.

be your child's safety net, let them know that you will support them and help them as they grow. Do not push them onto that tight rope alone if they are not ready, no matter what you are told. Give them a helping hand and a safety net to fall back on. Soon enough they'll be running off on their own, confident that no matter how far they go you will be there to catch them.

Learn more about this author, Summer Minor.
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