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Fear and Freedom
Encouraging Our Children to Enjoy Their Freedom Despite Our Own Fears
By Silvia Lawniczak
On the first day, I followed the bus to school. I just needed to see how they were going to handle him, who would pick him up, drop him off, etc. That afternoon, I was outside the house eagerly awaiting his return, and it warmed my heart to see his smiling face waving at me, excited that he was in the school bus. To this day, I've had no problems at all, and everyone is very helpful and kind. Despite my initial fears, it turned out to be a good decision.
I know that in the future I will have to make many more decisions to help my child in the direction of freedom, and I also know I will fear each outcome. Letting him get his driver's license, taking a trip alone, allowing him a ride on that roller coaster or going away to camp and so much more. But I vow to never let my fears stand in the way of my child's freedom. I will always keep my mind open to the possibility that things can work out, and his life will be improved because of it.