Young Persons Mentor/Uplifting Parenting –

Newness Within the Family

Every time someone comes up with something new, everyone has to adjust to it.

We are all bringing home new ideas, some of which are a great fit, and others which are not.

As we digest what is coming into our home, we strain it through the filters of well-being for all.

It must include courtesies, uplifting vocabulary, aand add to peace and harmony.

It cannot create conflict, competition or be cruel.

Over time, we all refine what is appropriate to share within the family to maintain harmony, even while embracing what is new.

At one point, I was willing for my children to try out a new form of electronic game which they enjoyed at their friend’s house.

It created conflict since there was only room for two to play and we have a large family.

The vocabulary was acceptable. It was okay for them to play at their friends house. 

Another time, I was willing to check out a new children’s television channel. (This was before youtube, etc).

The channel content worked.  However, it kept my children indoors during daylight hours.  It was more important for them to have outdoor play time.

We played family games which encouraged participation for all of us.

Our philosophy as parents was to help everyone along in the game as we all gained competence.

Another activity which brought newness into our family was reading aloud.

We continued this in the form of audio books during family car trips. We still recount stories of unexpected moments in the stories.

We also remember dramatic moments when we were all held enthralled as we waited for the situation to be resolved.

Our shared emotions created times of mutual trust and intimacy.

Even though everyone has gone their own way and has their own view tempered with their new experiences, we have this remembered feeling as we all experienced something new together.

We can take in our new experiences in the world without judging where we are now compared to where we were in the past.

We can accept what is new and appreciate the freshness we felt through past shared experiences.

© 2023 Kathryn Hardage 

www.shareinspirationandpeace.com