On parenting
11 March 16
This morning, I gently woke Aisha up — her request: she enjoys a quiet time in the morning before her sisters wake —and as she turned to embrace me, she whispered into my ear, “I love you, Lauren.”
And I was overwhelmed with gratitude for all that I’ve gained in parenting — all the loving, all the learning, all the lessons. For parenting is an honour, a privilege, a responsibility and a sacred challenge.
The honour is bestowed upon us when we are chosen to initiate another person into our way of life. Why us? Why this child? Why now? Why here? We trust it is for the best. But who does the selecting? The bonding of two lives together like this? — God, the unborn soul, the universal consciousness, evolutionary forces, the source of being? Aren’t they all One when the effect is the same?
The privilege is ours because we get to witness the detailed, behind-the-scenes formation of a unique character. The privilege is ours because we are motivated to share the best of ourselves as an influence in her development. The privilege is ours because if we fail to hold a safe space for this being, we will forfeit degrees of intimacy and connection.
And oh, what a responsibility this job is! Parenting is a delicate balance of energy — nutrition, rest, accomplishments, self-love and peace — for ourselves as well our children. We tend to the mundane tasks that sustain our lifestyle while pursuing an emotional connection with complex, changing lives. If we pay close attention, we can marvel at the growth that occurs daily.
From the moment the baby is born (and often well before then), the parent is thinking for the child. “What does she need? How can I serve her? What will she desire in the future?”
Our sacred quest as parents is to wholly release the child to her individuality by allowing her to think for herself. We must grow to a place where we can completely release our own preferences for her presentation, her conduct, her interests, her lessons. Only then will the young person be free to express herself fully.
We are honoured and privileged to witness the transformation from the restrictive cocoon of the womb into a free-flying beauty. When our children choose to stretch their wings, we hold ourselves present to lovingly release them to their own journeys.

But this is the greatest challenge: we must first transform ourselves — liberate ourselves from the conditioning that we’ve received. Seek our own metamorphosis into a free being. Practice self-compassion, self-questioning and vulnerability. Trust. Allow our own conscious awakening.
Be the change.

Yes! I am feeling like I’m in a good place to start posting out the Be the change you wish to see in your children stickers again. I became discouraged when I lost my system stored in my stolen computer in late 2014.
I can now send them out again!
Free postage worldwide. Reciprocate via Paypal if you like.
Leave a comment requesting one, include your email in the form field (not in the comments section), and I’ll write to you and chase your postal address to send it out.
Be the change you wish to see in your children.
1 · Kelly Burghart · 11 March 2016, 11:47
You are such a blessing. I would love to show off one of your bumper stickers. Big love.
2 · Korina · 11 March 2016, 12:02
I would love a sticker please, my old one is completely unreadable now.
3 · Melody · 11 March 2016, 12:04
I would love a sticker! Thank you
4 · Amanda · 11 March 2016, 12:09
Wow
Thank you I would proudly display your sticker as it is something I resonate with completely xxx
5 · Cathryn · 11 March 2016, 12:22
I would love a sticker Lauryn! It will be a daily reminder for exactly why we are about to make a major life change selling all our possessions and living a nomadic life. Much love to you and your girls, I hope we see you on the road on the journey x
6 · Anneen · 11 March 2016, 12:45
I’d love one! Beautiful.
7 · Alena · 11 March 2016, 12:56
I would love a sticker too, please. Also, wonderful post again. I absolutely love reading your blog! x
8 · Penny Cullen · 11 March 2016, 13:07
Grateful for all you share ??
9 · Star Shea · 11 March 2016, 13:08
You are one of the mothers whom I think of when I think of what it means to be a mom.
Much love.
I’m so excited about the stickers!
10 · Mel · 11 March 2016, 13:41
I could not have said it better. This journey of parenting has been such a spiritual awakening for me, watching the unique soul, blossom and grow into it’s own. All that was required of me was to completely “uncondition” myself…. a process that is ongoing and is a long and arduous journey in itself.
I would LOVE a sticker
11 · Tali · 11 March 2016, 13:48
I’d love one. Very grateful!
12 · Marti Grahl · 11 March 2016, 14:53
I got a bumper sticker a few years ago, but it’s worn away… I would love to get a replacement!
13 · Ann · 11 March 2016, 15:03
I became a parent this year and I would love a sticker to display round my neck of the woods.
14 · Kerrie · 11 March 2016, 16:06
Thank you for your inspirational words, they always touch me, and I would love to receive a sticker, Thanks
15 · Sandi · 11 March 2016, 17:08
I would love one too thank you!
16 · Jennifer Dreier · 11 March 2016, 23:39
I would love two please. One for me and one for my daughter.
17 · Carrie Burgan · 12 March 2016, 00:01
I would adore a sticker and would gladly contribute back to facilitate more stickers. <3 Kindly and thank you.
18 · Erin · 12 March 2016, 03:26
Love these!
19 · Cricket · 12 March 2016, 04:26
Love your blog. I would like to request a bumper sticker!
Thanks!!
20 · Emily · 12 March 2016, 08:32
I would love to spread this message with a bumper sticker. Thanks for writing this as I contemplate my growing family.
21 · Joan · 12 March 2016, 09:28
What you write is beautiful I know and I wish I could have thoughts like that. My child was born disabled and it’s so hard to feel good about being a parent when the child can never achieve the normal things. When I read, “When our children choose to stretch their wings, we hold ourselves present to lovingly release them to their own journeys.” I feel so sad. If only I could release my child. Even my other children are tethered by this responsibility towards the one that needs more. Motherhood can be so damn hard. But I feel now, after reading your piece, that maybe I have to see my child’s journey as not mine but his to follow and I can no more be held back by the circumstances and by liberating myself maybe I’ll be liberating him.
22 · Anna · 12 March 2016, 09:30
Hi Lauren,
Thank you for sharing your journey so freely with such openness and vulnerability (and so articulately).
I would love a bumper sticker.
Thank you!
Anna
23 · Lauren · 12 March 2016, 09:36
Dear Joan,
So much love to you whose challenges are unique! <3
I hear you say “I have to see my child’s journey as not mine but his to follow and I can no more be held back by the circumstances and by liberating myself maybe I’ll be liberating him” and I feel encouraged that you already know the path to joy. :)
Love,
Lauren.
24 · Lesa · 12 March 2016, 10:05
How perfect. I would be honored to put that beautiful sticker on my car.
25 · Mary · 12 March 2016, 16:10
In celebration of the greatest vocation to which I’ve been called! Your writing articulates the calling so very well. I would love one (actually, I’d like two but, I won’t be greedy : ). I will gladly send something via PayPal.
26 · shenais · 14 March 2016, 06:12
how bitterweet it is.
i would love a bumper sticker- we’ll put it on our bike trailer!
thank you,
shenais
27 · Lily · 14 March 2016, 21:18
I would love one of your stickers Lauren – an everyday reminder to keep growing. I’ve loved your last three pieces – especially the piece on guiding our children’s sexuality. Thanks!
28 · Patrick · 15 March 2016, 10:59
Hi Lauren and thank you for sharing your wisdom and experiences.
I would love one of your stickers ;-)
Much love…
29 · Emma · 18 March 2016, 18:38
I’d love a sticker please!
30 · Emiko · 21 March 2016, 21:51
Love your site, so interesting. Please may we have a sticker too! x
31 · Annie · 25 March 2016, 06:57
I would love a sticker. A great reminder to be aware of our own actions and how they impact on our children’s journey
32 · Penny · 26 March 2016, 08:46
I would love a bumper sticker.
33 · Emily S · 30 March 2016, 23:12
I would love a sticker if they are still available <3
34 · Jamie · 2 April 2016, 19:29
I would love a sticker please. I’ve rediscovered your blog now that I’m unschooling my own children and I’m enjoying catching up on your adventures :)
35 · Cynthia · 3 April 2016, 07:30
Dear Lauren,
I’d love to have a sticker, full of your energy :)
Cheers.
36 · Amy · 4 April 2016, 01:29
Hi Lauren! I’d love to have one!
37 · Marcia · 3 May 2016, 20:21
I would like one please.
38 · Melanie · 4 May 2016, 20:51
I found your blog via a permaculture site and find what you write insightful and would love to display your bumper sticker. If you could send a few I know others who would love them as well. All the best.
39 · Pheonix · 27 May 2016, 16:10
Hello … I just came across your blog after checking out another very amazing blog by another amazing mama. I would absolutely love a bumper sticker. I am a single mother of one daughter named Freedom.
Thank you!
40 · Brittany · 4 June 2016, 14:00
I would love a bumper sticker!
41 · sophie-aurore de saint-marcq · 26 June 2016, 11:28
Hi,
I would be pleased to receive one of your stickers. I will paste it on my pushchair. Hopefully this will open some closed minds…
Sophie
42 · Amy · 27 June 2016, 09:15
Please may I have a sticker? Thanks for your inspiration :)
43 · Caitlin · 31 August 2016, 13:14
I would love a sticker <3
If possible, I would love to get a couple for some mom friends of mine who I know would also love the beautiful reminder.
I feel so blessed to be able to read your writings; they’ve helped buoy my spirit and get me through some things. The world is a richer place for having you in it.
44 · sarah smets · 6 November 2016, 15:24
I would love a couple of bumper stickers please- Sarah Smets 28 Roslyn Ave Kingston Beach Tasmania 7050
I have parking at the bottom of my bush garden a two minute walk to the beach and would welcome you to stay.
Sarah
45 · Sarah · 26 December 2016, 10:17
Yes please x
46 · Lilly · 13 January 2017, 20:03
I am so happy to have stumbled upon this :) My son started three year old kinder today and though it is a gentle, natural and nurturing environment and therefore, everything i was looking for in his first experience of the wider world, i am having misgivings about letting him undergo the inevitable social conditioning that comes with the institution of schooling. Such a precious soul needs nurturing and i am slowly building the courage to defy everyone i know and show him the beautiful wide world myself. i would love a sticker to display as a proud reminder to myself if they are still about :) x
47 · Erin · 19 January 2017, 10:54
I’d love one more than anything right now!! ?