Priorities

What would be the ideal environment to raise a child in?

Loving, kind, patient, attentive, creative, consistent, well educated, well read, are just a few of the words that come to my mind when I think of a caretaker.

Safe, calm, encouraging, tactilely rich, with opportunities to also use and hear a variety of languages, sounds and music, are the words that I think of when I try to pick the environment.

None of these things require money, although money certainly makes everything easier.  Instead they require someone who takes advantage of what is already here: homes, yards, parks, libraries, and time. 

Nothing replaces time with a child.  No amount of fancy toys, beautiful clothing, or expensive schooling can over ride sitting down and listening and responding to a young child in a way that encourages them to feel safe and loved and free to explore the world around them.

I think the one thing our society falls short in is educating our young people about what is really important in life.  Raising a child is a choice.  If you are going to bring them into this world you should be prepared to make them your number one priority.