What Can You Offer a Child?

This week's GS Radio show asks the question, "Are You Ready for Motherhood?"

We thought it was a great topic considering that we celebrate Mother's Day this month and that May is Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month. Also, there are so many women out there who are wondering if it's the "right time" to have a child.

One of the questions I suggested people ask themselves before having a child is, "What Can I Offer?"

I don't mean financially. I mean emotionally and spiritually. Often times when we think of bringing a child into the world, we think of it in terms of what that child can bring into our lives. In other words, how can it enhance our existence? How can it makes us happier? The real question is, how can we enhance their existence? What can we offer this human being in terms of our beliefs, perspective, outlook on the world, etc.?

What we sew into our children will dictate what they put out into the world. So if we offer them them selfishness and anger, then that's all we can expect them to give to others. Think about what dominates your life right now - what are the things you put the most time and energy into? Those are the things you can offer your child.

For those of us who are already mothers and parents, let's remind ourselves of this question every day. Children are sponges. What are our children soaking up?

Nicole