Leaving the @gardenofeden is always
an interesting experience.

We’ve been traveling from airport to airport
for a couple of days now
on our way to Steemfest2 in Lisbon. 

Though living in airports for days on end,
sleeping on floors and benches,

running through terminals to make plane connections,
eating subpar food and having access to only bottled or treated fountain water,

breathing stale indoor artificially temperature controlled air,
existing under fluorescent lighting and being exposed to lots of EMFs,
not being able to put my bare feet on the earth,
and being in highly controlled secured environments,
still the most difficult part of being away from the @gardenofeden is...

...watching the way people interact with children. 

 Granted, I have seen two mothers nursing in public, even though there are nursing rooms in a couple of the airports—I’m not sure if these rooms exist especially to give the mother a place to rest in silence with her child, or so a woman will not be seen baring her breast in public—or perhaps a little of both. 

I have seen  a mother giving her child a ride on the top of her rolling suitcase, a father sleeping on a bench with his infant sprawled across his chest, a family nestled together in a corner soothing their young one, and a few teenagers sitting with families reading their own books of choice.  

I wanted to take some airport photos of people and their children, but it seemed somehow invasive.  I especially wanted to take photos or videos of people mistreating their children, just to let them know someone was watching.  However, I didn't have my camera out on the spot, and instead have opted to show some photos of some amazing children as a reminder of their beauty and grace.  

I have also witnessed parents yanking their small children down the terminals by the arms while the child cries at the top of their lungs, and a mother spanking her chid repeatedly for touching a straw on the counter at a coffee shop!!!  I have heard parents telling their children they don’t care what they want as they are to do as they are told - "just obey".  I have seen passengers angry with children for breaking the silence with joyous laughter.  I have seen parents making their son eat the food they purchased for him, even though the child made it clear he was not hungry. I even heard a mother tell her child that they may see each other again someday, but for now she wanted him go with his daddy, as she coldly peeled the child off her body through his sobbing gasps.  OMG!!!  So heart wrenching. 

Unfortunately, may of these types of treatment are common occurrences, and many people don’t even consider this abuse, but as normal everyday interactions with their loved ones.  I imagine there are very few who would treat another adult like this — let alone display this behavior in public. If people will do these things in public what will they do behind closed doors?  I shudder at the mere thought of it.   It surprises me that we as individuals and as a society accept this kind of controlling and detrimental behavior, especially to a child. 

I get sickened every time I witness this abuse, and honestly I never really know what to do.  Often times I don’t even want to leave home, as it feels hopeless to feel the turmoil of some families, while feeling very tied about what to do to help.  I have tried many things to stop the abuse, or at the least to bring awareness that it is being seen.  Most parents are extremely resistant to any type of suggestions, definitely constructive criticism, and often even an offer to help. I still haven’t figured out how to deal with these situations in a way that will be of benefit, and not create more animosity or heighten the anger. 

I remind myself of what the parent must have been through in their own childhood to incite such treatment of their own babies.  I close my eyes, pray for new levels of awareness for them, bless the situation, and give thanks that I have learned to honor a child, not to act like they are my property or mine to control. 

I do have quite a unique perspective on raising children.  Last year I won the Golden Steemit Best Undiscovered Author Award for my post entitled: Imagine the Potential for Life If Children Grew Up with True Freedom, in a World of Self-Design: Here is a Real Example of Children Living Such a Life We're Creating A Whole New Paradigm In Honor of the Children!

Since I am on my way to Steefest2 in Lisbon, it seems appropriate that I share my winning post with you again, especially  as these feelings of disgust and hopelessness arise within me.  I feel there are some gems on honoring a child that we would all do well to remember. 

One of my most favorite things about being at the @gardenofeden is the children.  Not only the kids themselves, but the way they  are treated.  They are respected, listened to, cared for, shown responsibility, kindness, and honored as the divine beings that they are. 

@quinneaker is the daddy of three of the children who are growing up at the @gardenofeden.  He is the best parent I have EVER witnessed, and is an inspiration to all who have tuned into his relationship with them.  Seeing the grand potential of children at such young ages is truly astounding, and I have never seen such empowered children living in love. 

@quinneaker will be speaking at Steemfest.  I’m not yet certain on what subject he will speak, but I am certain that whatever it is, it will be an enlightened perspective.  Parenting is one of his specialties and regardless of whether he specifically speaks about parenting or not as his speech subject,  I hope that anyone who cares about children will get a download of his valuable insight.

  
May my award winning post be of some value to you.  I dream of a world where humanity becomes aware of the potential for truly empowered, capable and responsible, loving, free children, and the same for society as a whole!!  If we can just look at ourselves and get out of their way, we can learn from our greatest teachers--the children.  

Give your kids a huge dose of love today.  

Here are a couple of my other posts about parenting/children: