Roots and Wings

Roots are a secure base for growth. Strong roots require safety, security, belonging and trust. We must tend to our children’s roots with consistency, gentleness and love. It’s no different for children with disabilities. Roots need to be nurtured.  

It's been said that close to 80% of learning is visual. That’s why showing kindness, love, compassion and empathy is so important. It allows our children to learn that: 

• Empathy is a thought. It’s about understanding how someone feels.  
• Compassion is a feeling. It means treating others how we want to be treated. 
• Kindness is an action. It means being present and showing unconditional love. 

Empathy leads to compassion. Compassion leads to acts of kindness. This is another way to think about it. 

Boundaries, limits, expectations and consequences give a child structure. A sturdy structure supports a healthy foundation. To give children wings, they must practice what they've learned. 

As a parent, letting go is one of the hardest things we can do. It's also one of the best things we can do. Wings give our children the freedom to reach for the stars, to fly free, glide over barriers and soar into the best version of themselves. 

Both roots and wings are important for our children. We can help our children grow deep roots and healthy wings by doing the following: 

• Give unconditional love and acceptance 
• Set high expectations 
• Be creative when seeking solutions 
• Recognize risk as a part of life 
• Embrace your child’s freedom to choose 
• Listen deeply to what our children are telling us
• Take action to respond to their needs  

As you work to equip your children with roots and wings, remember to do so with grace and flexibility. You and your children will benefit. Life may not always go as planned. 

There are many more great tips on the Family Support page on this website.