Expecting someone to fulfill our life and save us from hardship is understandable but fundamentally romantic and idealistic. Life is filled with challenges and it takes a lot to be a “Grown Up.”
To be a grown up, means accepting that we may be faced with discomfort, anxiety, and fear. It means accepting that sometimes we succeed and sometimes we fail. To be a grown up, we must be aware of our circumstances. When possible, we need to be easy on ourselves and easy on others.
A grown up knows that nobody is perfect. They try to maintain a healthy body, a safe home, and good relationships. They know that a personal sense of security is important and takes work. Growing up is a process of having others to trust, choosing the company of people who make us happy, and learning to be honest with self and others.Children withstand terrible circumstances and survive. If they are not helped to heal, they may often find themselves feeling insecure. They try to compensate for these feelings. They may seek out quick solutions, rescuers, and pretend that things don’t matter to them. They have trouble ‘growing up.”
At Inner Circle, these children are helped to mature and grow up. First, they need acceptance, and then they need to be provided healthy things to do. They need adults who wisely share their experience. With new opportunities to stimulate their intelligence, develop a fine sense of humor, and have interests, they thrive.
Pam Jordan is the Executive Director of Inner Circle Foster Care and Adoption Services. If you are a grown up that cares about children and would like to be a foster or adoptive parent, please contact us at Inner Circle Foster Care and Adoption Services. Our number is 818-988-6300.