Loss of Innocence

Grow up. Stop that. Conform. Do better. 

It’s not that you are a bad person, it’s that you are not contributing to the relationship and ultimately the community or society.

The little head wag means I’m innocent and I love you, love me back, give me what I want and take care of my needs. That’s an incorrect assumption.

Developmental considerations are important, and growing up is hard. I also have this time that just opened up, and part of me has the desire to work on things, but I am also overwhelmed and don’t know if I have the focus and stamina to be able to sit and work on things. Do better! But I’m tired! But what you have done is not good enough, and you should fix that. Do better! Make improvements, you SHOULD be better!

“Children, and especially babies, are considered the treasures of the whole clan. In one tribal culture, a newborn baby spends its first six weeks with just its parents and immediate family to allow close bonding. During that time, the whole tribe is involved in clearing any grievances they have with one another. They wear leather aprons with long fringes. They tie knots in the fringe for each grievance they carry against another member of the community. It is their job to clear all the grievances and untie all the knots before the baby is presented to the tribe at the end of the six week period.” From Smart Moves, by Clara Hannaford. Here is more: “ …laughing faces of children and adults bringing creatively designed toys made from plants, stones, cardboard, and even plastic shopping bags. These babies are lifted, cuddled, tickled and hugged.” “As the children grow older they take care of younger children, and by the age of six re responsible for gathering firewood or looking after a cow, sheep or horse. They are encouraged in carving, weaving, singing, dancing, storytelling, painting and creative, imaginative play.” “ There is always song as the night closes softly over the final drum beats and the last strains of multiparty harmony to fade and fill the African night with silence and a billion stars.”.

The book also mentions Ubuntu