Decisions, Decisions

As a parent, you are cursed blessed with the ability to make decisions for your children. Most parents make lots of choices, some good, some bad. Some regrettable, some not-so-regrettable.

This story on msnbc.com made me so sad last night. One split decision, to allow a toddler a better view (how many parents out there haven't tried to get the best view for their child?) and it all ends tragically. It makes me heart hurt for that family. It is so, so sad.

As a parent, you make so many decisions...most will, in the end, seem frivolous. A lot of decisions are based on safety. What car seat? When to feed certain foods? Who can be their friend? Who will babysit? Who teaches the driving lessons? Who do they date? What boundaries are hard limits? Can they see just find from behind the glass, not above it?

Part of the parenting process is to slowly allow your children to make decisions on their own...hopefully good ones. You train them with little decisions and hope to goodness they make wise ones when it begins to really count. As a small child we allow Savannah many options, and encourage her to shape her opinions on her own...with a little guidance. For example, she has a favorite pair of Hello Kitty shoes. They are most definitely spring/summer shoes. Her first pair are so worn that they need to be thrown out...so we bought another pair, two sizes bigger. She still wants to wear them every day...even in 30 degree weather...so we are working on teaching her to make that decision wisely...she needs to wear socks. We explain that it's cold and she would want to be warm...so now she is making those choices without us prompting.

Sometimes, as a parent, you have to make decisions that you know will protect your children, but hurt your heart. You have to say "no" to lots of things...all in the name of keeping your children sheltered from trouble or horrible life situations...often parents make sacrifices for their kids...all tied to those important decisions...

**Side note - it's almost the holidays! Savannah is gearing up for one of the most fun holiday seasons yet! She is completely enthralled with all of it...I can't wait to blog about some of our crafting/present buying adventures!!!