A couple of nights ago, one of my daughters asked me a question about the trouble she’d had with her sisters that day.  She said quietly, “Mommy, why do we fight so much?”  Just another day in the life of a kid with a sibling (or two).

What Does Growing Up Really Mean?

I talked to her about what growing up meant.  Generally, I said it was about seeing the bigger picture and understanding what other people need.  It was about doing the right thing for yourself and others.

The more I talked about growing up, I realized that was a tall order for adults, too.  Sure, we adults have had more practice at cooperation and problem solving.  But are we really getting it right?  Just take a look at the daily selection of reality TV shows and gossip magazines and you’ll have your answer.

Growing Up Is For Everyone

The truth is, growing up isn’t just for kids.  It’s for big people, too.  You, me, and everyone around us are working on this “growing up” thing.  Heck, we even call ourselves “grown-ups,” as if we are there already.

But we’re not.  You know it and I know it.  That’s OK – that means there’s still some unrealized adventure and depth in our futures.  Personal discovery that hasn’t even occurred to you, and strengths I don’t yet know that I have.

Growing Up Is A Big Job

Of course, it’s our job to help our kids through the early years of growing up.  But remember, we’re all doing it together.  So if your kids are tired of fighting, just let them know that growing up is a big job.

You know, you’re still working at it, too.

photo credit: Chris Blakeley

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    Last reviewed: 6 Apr 2011