Image: Flickr/Trina Alexander

“It is dangerous to confuse children with angels.” (David Fyfe)

Sure, they look like little angels when they first arrive, but it only takes a few hours for you to realize the difference. When you place a child on a pedestal, expecting angelic perfection from them, you set them up for a great fall. You also rob them of the freedom to take risks and make mistakes.

Kids are precious gifts from above, but they’re in no way perfect. They’re going to stumble, over and over again. They’re in the process of growing, as are we, and the sooner we recognize that and extend a little grace, the better off we’ll all be.