By Marnita Coleman
Childhood is a delicate time in one’s life. Children are vulnerable: needing to be fed, led, and protected. Often knowledge, emotions, and habits planted in a child at an early age will come to full bloom in his or her adulthood, so make every moment count. Maya Angelou taught us that it’s not always about what you say, but how you make a person feel that sticks with them for a lifetime.
(Courtesy of onyxtruth.com)
When I was young, my dad took my siblings and I to an annual parade every September called the “I Am An American Day Parade.” It was a major event in Baltimore City, at that time, and we looked forward to going each year. There were fun floats and several marching bands. The streets were lined with parents and kids – my fellow Americans. In the backdrop, ice cream trucks and hot dog stands peddled their tasty treats, but my favorite treat was the “sky-blue” snowball. It was deliciously fruity and I loved the fact that it turned my tongue blue! I also remember daddy putting my little sister on his shoulders because she was small and couldn’t see over the large crowd. We had such an amazing time, and my dad earned some major cool points! Funny thing is, in my adult years, I can still think back to that time and fondly cherish that moment to this day. Keep in mind that this event happened once a year, but it is one of my favorite memories of my dad.
Marnita Coleman is an author and host of The Marnita Show. (Courtesy Photo)
Parent-child connectedness is vital in bonding with your children. In these precious moments, the drama is left behind, and love and trust are mended and sealed. Step out of your comfort zone, and show you’re child that you’re not a robot named mom or dad that barks out orders and won’t let up about cleaning their room. Be sure to have encounters with your children that they can store in their treasure chest forever!
Marnita Coleman is an author and host of The Marnita Show, a parenting show heard daily across the globe. For more information, log onto TheMarnitaShow.com.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Afro-American Newspapers.