“Nothing has a stronger influence psychologically on their environment and especially on their children than the unlived life of the parent.” C.G. Jung
Are there things you’ve always wanted to do but never got the chance? Dreams you’ve long dreamed that have never been fulfilled? These days a lot of adults describe such things as their bucket list. They’re things that need to be done in order to complete life with a sense of fulfillment, to die perhaps without regrets.
“Why on earth is she writing this in a balloon blog,” you ask. Note the quote from Carl Jung above. Yes, one day my mother was looking at my bookshelf with all the books about psychology, counseling, and hypnosis when she asked with exasperation, “Marsha, don’t you ever read anything just for fun?!” Those are the kind of books I read for fun. Then I see their wisdom played out when I’m on the balloon job.
Little kids too young to tell me what kind of balloon they want are said, by their parents, to want some huge complicated balloon sculpture that’s way too big for them to carry, so complicated that they have to wait longer than their little patience allows, and that they often break within minutes because they can’t help dragging it on the ground. First, a child that young shouldn’t have any balloon because of safety issues. Broken balloon fragments are a choking hazard and balloons aren’t recommended for children under 3 years old. Second, years of experience have shown me that maybe a little ladybug with springy antenna or a race car with a favorite character driving it might be more popular with these little people than a big fancy T-rex. Admit it, parents. You’re the one that wants the fancy balloon.
How many times have I heard, “A snake? No, you don’t want a snake. How about something like a rocket ship?” How many little boys have been told, “You don’t want a pink flower,” or “You don’t want butterfly. Get something for boys.” How many little girls have been told, “You don’t want a sword”? I’ll tell you: lots! If there aren’t people waiting I’ll usually give parent and child a little time to discuss things and reach an agreement. If I have a long line I’ll usually listen to the child and get started on what he or she wants. I especially enjoyed the time a dad finally agreed, after some negotiating, that his little son could get a pink flower. Dad looked very disapproving as I honored his son’s request. I’d love to know what went through Dad’s mind when I handed his son the flower, the son burst into a huge smile, turned to his dad and said, “Isn’t it pretty, Dad? Mommy will love this!”
Are you pushing your kids to fulfill your unlived life? Please give this thoughtful consideration. Listen to your kids and help them fulfill their dreams. Listen to your inner desire and help yourself fulfill your dreams. That way everybody wins.
Please let us know your dreams and how you’re making them come true. Post in the comments here, or go to our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AirODynamicBalloonArt?ref=bookmarks and comment there.
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