Apron Strings

We had a discussion at work about kids leaving home and the ties the bind. Georgia calls it my elastic apron strings. I like that.
Have you ever thought about how those strings are tied? The elastic gets tighter and tigher asit streches as you tie, but let go of the bow and they are tied so tightly you can breathe! The strings are so constricted you can't even think! What good does that do you or anyone esle? Loosen up those apron strings so you can breath!
Have you tied your strings too loose? Loose strings are no good either. Your apron flops around you bulging every time you move. It scrunches all to one side then flipflops just as quickly to the other. You don't feel comfortable and neither does any else.
But tie your apron on properly --with the right amount of strenth and tension -- all is well. The elastic doesn't bind you so tightly you can't breathe or think nor is it so loose it does not do the proper job.
The same principle applies to us with our kids. We can love then too tightly and stifle all of their (and our) breath. We can love them too loosely and not be there when we truly should stand firm. Or we can tie our elastic apron strings just right using the perfect amount of love and strenth and toughness, and warmth, and caring, and saying no and letting ourselves and our children grow.
A mother is a mom all of her life but she does not need to smother all of her life. Tie those apron strings just right!

Other thoughs on apron strings....

Everything But The Girl Song Lyrics Apron Strings

Apron strings

hanging empty

crazy things

my body tells me

i want someone to tie to my lonely

apron strings

apron strings

waiting for you

pretty things

that i could call you

i want someone to tie to my lonely

apron strings

he'd look just like me when I was young

and I wonder as the days unwind

will he have your eyes or mine

then i wake up to my

apron strings

cold and lonely

for time brings

thoughts that only

will be quiet when someone clings to my

apron strings

and i'll be perfect in my own way

when you cry i'll be there

i'll sing to you and comb your hair

all your troubles i will share

for apron strings

can be used for other things

than what they're meant for

and you'd be happy

wrapped in my apron strings

everything but the girl, "Apron Strings

http://www.thesonglyrics.com/songlyrics/everythingbutthegirl/everythingbutthegirlsonglyrics3.html

"at what point do we stop providing for those we love and allow them to learn how to nurture themselves?"

http://fempower.typepad.com/powerplay/
http://www.goodtimes2.com/apronstrings.htm