Under Construction

🌟Weekly Inspiration🌟

A wise adolescent in our practice remarked how his inner world is “under construction.” He elaborated that he was “waiting for funding” and on the “blueprints” for the world that he is building.

I loved this ❤️.  

It reminded me how much developmental “work” is being done during childhood and adolescence. They are building a life, an identity, a character, a personality, a network of support, and developing a belief and value system. Sometimes this is done while actively working at school or extracurriculars…and sometimes their worlds are built in silly moments with friends, “chilling” in their rooms, being creative, sleeping and dreaming, listening to music, trying ideas on for size, or considering an insight their parents share.  

Ask Yourself:

Can I see my child building their world? What peeks at their “construction site” are available for me to see and witness?
Are my kids overscheduled to the point that there is no space for them to “chill”?
Do I minimize the amount of developmental “work” that my child has to accomplish?
Is there room for mistakes, trying things on for size, or changing course when something is not a fit?
Do I need to get out of their way and let them build?
Are they “waiting for funding” from me? In what ways, can I put deposits into their account?
If I’ve noticed maturity, growth, or a new interest—have I remarked to them in a supportive way?

Good luck!