10/09/2024
“When a flower doesn't bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.”
If my kids were Wildflowers, they’d each be growing in their own perfect spots—maybe one in a quiet meadow at the edge of a forest with dappled light, rich soil, and gentle rain showers, and another by a babbling brook where the air is fresh and the sun warms their petals.
As a parent of beautiful children who often find themselves at odds with the world around them, this quote really hits home. It makes me think about the different versions of my kids that I see on the outside, and how special it is that I get to see them at their happiest, as well as being trusted to witness their hardest, most vulnerable moments.
In Occupational Therapy, we observe that "environment" encompasses both the physical world around us and the social factors at play. It's also about what feeds our bodies and minds. But the thing is: not all kids need the same nourishment!
Our job isn’t to change our kids to fit into a world that wasn’t built for them. It’s to create spaces where they can thrive, feel safe, and be themselves. Whether that means adjusting their surroundings, advocating for them, or just being patient and understanding, it's about nurturing their unique way of blooming.
Every child has their own way of growing, and when the environment is right, their true beauty shines through. Where would your Wildflower Kids be growing? What do they need to thrive?
