Leaving the Nest

Every day Theresa and I visit our Eagle families and this week the babies who are as large as their parents  are about to leave the nest. Every year we watch with interest this procedure whereby the adults feed and nurture the young until they are tired of the work and make a change. After feeding, cleaning and protecting the babies , Eagles show their tough love and shove the young ones out of the nest. Sometimes they fly within a few days but sometimes it takes a whole lot longer. In any case the babies are forced to go out on their own and face the world.

At this time of the year we observe the same ritual whereby young adults are preparing to complete their secondary school and move on to other things. Like the eagles some youngsters are prepared to move on to post secondary education  in one form or another. Like the eagles some youngsters are not so well prepared and are reluctant to fly on their own. They hang on to the safety of the family and parental support.

Facing the future is such a big step and parents have such a critical role in helping their children to gain the knowledge necessary to be successful. Giving your children the opportunity to forge ahead and make mistakes and learn consequences that will make them independent. Being there for your children no matter what and giving unconditional love and and support will give your children the confidence to be creative and productive.

We see the eagles year after year raising their young ones against difficult environment problems but they never give in. Parents who are having their children leave the nest must be strong and confident they did what had to be done to help their kids fly high and far to fulfill their dreams and aspirations.