I am in the middle of reading "The Road Less Traveled". It delves into the Psychology of Relationships, Traditional Values and spiritual Growth. Written by M. Scott Peck.

There was one section that he discusses how parents generally see their children as extensions of themselves and not necessarily interested in their children's unique individuality. He also quoted from the book "The Prophet" - by Alfred A, Knopf.

Your children are not your children
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from,
and though they are with you they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thought,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bow from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrow may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer's hand be for the gladness: For even as He loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.


This is so true. It is a parent that can let go, that a child will return with independence and free will. Don't doubt their trustworthiness, Don't finish their sentences, Don't assume you know what they are thinking. Give them every bit of good attention they deserve. Most importantly make your decisions based on the fact that what you do today will affect your kids tomorrow.

The more you embrace them as little people the more they will respect you as adults. Make them proud!