When we make decisions for our children without giving them the chance to chart their own course, we communicate to them our own powerfulness and their helplessness, which fosters a distrust of themselves.  If, instead, we solicit their ideas and show respect for these ideas, even if we can’t always incorporate them into our plans, we communicate a deep reverence for their ability to contribute to the discussion at hand.  Our children can sense when we have a true, deep respect for their opinions and choices.  It’s vital we recognize that, though they may only be little, they have a valid opinion that we respect and always take into consideration.  As our children see that their presence is both meaningful and important to us, they learn to trust their inner voice.

We promote trust whenever we encourage our children to speak up and be heard.  They learn to trust themselves as we tell them, “I admire the way you put your thoughts together,” and assure them, “I trust you to do the right thing.”  Should they happen to make an unwise choice, we don’t allow this to cause us to indicate a lack of trust in them, but simply tell them in a matter of fact manner, “You made this decision and now you are learning from it.”  Lack of trust doesn’t enter the equation.

I assure my daughter, “You will always be okay, no matter what circumstance you find yourself in, because this is the sort of person you are.”  Above all, I communicate a trust in life’s ability to take care of us spiritually.  Once we look at life as an incubator of consciousness, what is there not to trust?

When our children sense our respect for their ability to lead the way, this empowers them beyond measure.  As they learn they are worthy of holding our trust, this will come to mean the world to them.  They will naturally rise to our trust in them.