Comments on: Let’s Promise to Walk with Our Eyes Open

By: Danielle

Danielle — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:33:49 +0000

I am sincerely apologetic that I did not answer the questions you asked of me about this topic. I have spent a good bit of time thinking it over though and while it is somewhat subjective based on personal experience, some things are universal. I will share some thoughts with you privately (if you still want answers but I completely agree, and think we underestimate the significance of, feeling safe and secure within a family – knowing that your parents are champions for your cause and would never intentionally harm you, are the foundation for any kind of self-esteem. Thanks for your post, for your honesty, and for your reflection. It gives us all much to consider…

Danielles last blog post..Earth Day Everyday

By: coffeejitters (Judy Haley)

coffeejitters (Judy Haley) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 03:20:16 +0000

"Before anything else, the two most important things we can do to help children create a positive self image are to keep them safe and to give them a voice." This is so true, it really does rise above everything else in importance coffeejitters (Judy Haley)s last blog post..Dear Gem - Month 1

By: Midlife Slices

Midlife Slices — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:59:55 +0000

Writing this book might be harder on you than you realize. I did get to hug all 4 of my children yesterday, which is a very rare occasion, and for that I'm truly thankful. Glad you are back. Midlife Slicess last blog post..Tickling The Ivory and a Lube Job To Boot

By: Tricia

Tricia — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 10:12:04 +0000

@Lori: Beautifully said!

By: Lori

Lori — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 03:39:06 +0000

I am glad you are back to your safe haven. How nice to come home to a home that has been taken care of while you were away and to 2 people that genuinely missed you and were happy to see you. That is the best feeling in the world. Your visit home sounds interesting and the conversations sound like they were deep and full of insight into their worlds. I am sure as you took in all that heart ache that they experienced, you have even more understanding of the shoes they have walked in and how they came to be who they are today. I am sure that this time away was draining so I hope that you are getting refreshed. You really hit it on the nail in regards to the basic needs of children as it relates to this Beautiful like me project. At the root of each person, and each child is this need to feel good about themselves...which comes from knowing that they are important,valued, needed, wanted,seen and heard...which comes from being listened to and noticed. Children do have a voice and we empower their voices by not just listening to them but also listening to the things that they do not say...and then teaching them as they grow up to find their voice and to express it in the best ways that they can. Helping children to learn how to express their feelings and thoughts enables them to be who they are. Us, listening to them and taking them serious, gives them permission to be who they are. Loris last blog post..Two Weeks!

By: Tricia

Tricia — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 21:11:40 +0000

@Jan: Thanks for passing along the hugs and long distance hugs are just wonderful. My mom sends them often, and I appreciate them perhaps even more since I’m far away from her. I’ve missed you too!

@Lisa: Thanks. Me too

@WickedStepMom: Thanks for the hug, it’s very much appreciated as is your comment about giving our children a voice.

@Lisa P: It was a powerful time, and although this is a difficult process, there are so many amazing moments and glimpses of true strength and love. I loved your post, and you really gave me something to consider, which of course I love.

@Amy: Me too, and I love stuff that makes me question old assumptions and think of things in new ways.

@Tracy: Thanks. I’m lucky to have a haven that’s also my home, and every time I go away, I realize it again as soon as I set foot in our home. Life is good )

By: Tracy

Tracy — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 20:20:13 +0000

I am glad you came home to your haven - sounds like you needed it after your week away. Tracys last blog post..Really, I am usually pretty fun

By: Amy

Amy — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 20:08:06 +0000

First a hug to you from all my kids and me, welcome back! I too think each question is easy until I start to write and then it gets harder BUT then it seems to come together. For me it has been great to explore these topics -- makes me think!!! Amys last blog post..Wordful Wednesday - Spaghetti Sauce

By: Lisa P

Lisa P — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:12:51 +0000

Welcome back! Sounds like you had a powerful time away from us all. How wonderful to come home to a clean house and ready family! The topic for this week's Beautiful Like Me was tough for me too. I honestly didn't know what I would write until I was actually doing and the outcome surprised me. I thought I was writing about insignificant stuff and then I trip over an ah-ha nugget. It's such a great project and I'm more than happy to pass a hug on to my kiddos from you. Lisa Ps last blog post..Imitation Is The Best Form Of Flattery, But…

By: WickedStepMom

WickedStepMom — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:11:43 +0000

How about a bloggy hug for you!

And I agree with you that giving our children a voice is so important, even if we can’t always keep them safe.

WickedStepMoms last blog post..Mobbed