Perhaps one of the best and most effective preventative measures for the emotional health of children are parents who are present, of the highest good and active in their lives; and make the children a priority (even if they no longer have a romantic relationship). This is more than financial. Parents, who attend school functions, celebrate birthdays, eat dinner together, and cultivate a relationship with their children. Parents who LISTEN to their babes MINUS text, Facebook, Tweets, watching TV, etc. Parents who establish a ‘safe place’ where their babes (at all ages) know regardless of what the world presents to them, they can go to their parents for love, encouragement, motivation, peace, security, etc.
Men who love their daughters unconditionally and tell her she is worthy, smart, pretty, valuable, strong, etc. Teach her about boys and the importance of always valuing self. Answer her questions, wipe her tears, laugh with her and help her cultivate her voice. Men who set boundaries, so boys know ‘this one, this one right here, is NOT the one to mess with.’ Men who meet everyone who is in their daughter’s life and makes his presence known.
Men who love their sons unconditionally and teach him how to be a man, respectful, honorable, compassionate, kind, honest, responsible, etc. Men who demonstrate how to love a woman by the way he treats their mother and the women in his life. By honoring his word, being accountable, honest, responsible, kind, compassionate, etc. Men who teach their sons skills (build something, create something, etc).
It is easy to ‘make’ a child…sex is easy. Unfortunately, for some men walking away and leaving is unfortunately easy as well (demonstrated by the many fatherless children/adults in the world). Be responsible with your penis.
Too many adults are walking around with abandonment issues, looking and begging for love because of the heartache established in childhood. For those broken hearted…take the time, spend the resources to heal your wounds and break the cycle. We need you healthy, healed and full of love. Love Grows is here and we welcome the opportunity to help you along your journey. - Misha N. Granado, MPH, MS