The Empty Glass : What It’s Like to be a Parent
A metaphoric view of parenting.
A child being born into the world is an empty glass. As parents we hold that over the edge of a cliff. It is our job to guide that glass down to the waters of life, so that it may be filled.
Some people are really good at sending the glass over the cliff. These people are able to gently guide it, down safe paths of the slope. Ever so carefully, they watch to ensure that the glass does not chip, crack or shatter before reaching the waters.
Others struggle as they watch their glass full. They hold it too far out from the cliff and can only watch. They watch with horror, cringing and broken hearted, every time that the glass tumbles and collides with the cliff walls. In horror they watch as their glass chips, and loses pieces, as it cracks and shatters into the waters of life.
Soome parents can let that glass go over the cliff with minimal guidance, the glass may get a few chips at the top, but it will still be able to hold the water.
Raising our children is like watching that glass. some children get into adulthood, whole and ready to be filled, while others are broken and shattered before they even hit the water. Raising children is very hard work… especially when the cliff is so high.
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Published in: Apartment Living
Paul Kurt | May 10, 2012 | Reply
What a fantastic write up and true understanding of the skills needed.you do it so well i am sure
Christina Noll | May 10, 2012 | Reply
good article
vickylass | May 10, 2012 | Reply
Awesome article! I really love the way you’ve put it how parents have to guide their children, That’s it -guide them to success or failure! Good share!
MariaE777 | May 10, 2012 | Reply
So true! Parenting is one of the hardest,but most rewarding job ever!
Marquis de Joker | May 10, 2012 | Reply
Never thought about being a parent but you seem to have the knack for this kinda thing… though when you talk about the waters of life I wonder what if anything we are filled with.
Safa | May 10, 2012 | Reply
Very good article, momofplenty!
jennifer eiffel01 | May 10, 2012 | Reply
Very interesting philosophy
Molly Girl 822 | May 10, 2012 | Reply
At 28-years-old, that child of mine is loved more every day. He stopped by today, and all I can do is stare in awe at this handsome, loving, beautiful man. He, like all, has had a chip or two, but oh what joy he brings.
Molly Girl 822 | May 10, 2012 | Reply
Great article. Parenting is the best job in the world.
saffana | May 10, 2012 | Reply
hello mom, like this one
lauralu | May 10, 2012 | Reply
Someone said when you became a Mother, your heart is walking outside your body for the rest of your life, loving parents
understand the meaning of this saying. You have written a insightful article here. God Bless
Philippa Mingins | May 11, 2012 | Reply
I can associate with this piece. Very nicely done.
notcar99 | May 11, 2012 | Reply
Great tips -)
Lisa Marie Mottert | May 11, 2012 | Reply
Heartwarming article…very good;)
krunesh | May 11, 2012 | Reply
raising children is really hard. nice article.
observer1 | May 11, 2012 | Reply
Never thought about parenting this way before, nice one
Tiki33 | May 11, 2012 | Reply
You are so right. Parents have a tough job especially those hwo have to watch their children make horrific mistakes.
Angelji | May 13, 2012 | Reply
To be a parent a lifetime commitment..
Wrath Warbone | May 14, 2012 | Reply
Most parents have not been taught any proven effective parenting skills, so they do the same dumb things their parents did to them to their children, and a lot of damage. How do you teach your children to navigate life and to survive comfortably if you don’t know how your self? Many parents pretend they are infallible, perfect and next to God instead of presenting themselves as real people with both strong and weak points. It is a lie and the lie doesn’t work with kids.I suggest such parents “get real” with their kids and with a lot of other things in general. End of rant. Thanks.
Joseph Parks | May 15, 2012 | Reply
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