Precious little gifts

Often times this image is the out come of a break up of our relationships. Whether it be divorce or relationship of another kind. The children are left feeling like they had to of done something to cause this or they are pushed to the back and left to figure things out on their own; because the adults are to busy trying to figure out whats next. I think that often times we forget how much our children watch and listen when we don't think they are paying attention. They are like little sponges soaking it all up. I remember being a little girl, maybe 7yrs old and laying on the landing of our stairs and listening to all the fights my parents had all the time. And this went on for 3yrs until they finally made the decision to get a divorce. The divorce wasn't any prettier, the fighting never stopped. I being the oldest was always put in the middle and forced to grow up much faster than any 10yr old should have to. The positive in this negative is that I know today what I won't do in front of my daughter and it has made me a stronger, better person for having gone through that.
Sometimes when the parents move on they get with someone that thinks its ok to fight in front of the children or do inappropriate things with the children present. And for whatever reason the parent chooses to stay in this unhealthy situation, failing to understand the long term effect that will have on their children. Leading to possible out comes such as; hanging out with the wrong crowd, grades slipping, getting in trouble with the law, lack of respect for adults, becoming selfish individuals etc etc etc.  Our children act out as a way to get our attention and when they are ignored can become very unruly.
Our children need to be reassured while going through this trying time how much you love them. How their opinion of what you are all going through matters as well as the adults. They need to be told that none of the happenings has anything to do with them and that neither parent loves them any less. Children need to know that you will be there to listen and give them comfort and support with a healthy balance. Not allowing them to manipulate the situation and realizing that every action has a consequence. This can go on for several years after the separation, the important thing is to always be there for them, helping to guide their choices.
I personally think that by doing this you are not only building a healthy relationship with your children, but showing them that they matter and they will take that into the world in future relationships with people as a whole. Giving them great self esteem and strength to not be afraid to ask for their wants and needs to be met. Because they know and not question how much they matter.
Please remember that our children are precious little gifts given to us by god, not to be taken for granted or neglected. There are people who long to be parents and for different reasons are denied that gift. Which breaks my heart as I can not imagine my life without my beautiful little girl!!
As always please keep the men and woman of all branches of military in your prayers for a safe return home to their loved ones as they are out there protecting our HEALTHY FREEDOMS here at home. God Bless.