"Creo que los adultos y padres que no se involucran efectivamente en la vida de los niños renuncian a cualquier derecho de intentar influir en sus vidas."

When someone says that adults and parents who don’t get involved in children’s lives lose the right to try to influence them, they’re essentially emphasizing the importance of active participation in a child’s upbringing. The core idea here is pretty straightforward: if you’re not there for the everyday moments and challenges, you can’t expect to shape the outcomes. Influence comes from presence and engagement, not from being a distant authority figure.

Historically, this perspective has roots in various educational and psychological theories that stress the importance of parental involvement. The idea isn’t new. For example, back in the early 20th century, educational reformers like John Dewey highlighted the role of parents in the educational process. They believed that a child’s learning environment extended beyond the classroom and into the home, where parents played a key role.

Let’s look at a real-life example. Picture a father, John, who works long hours. He misses soccer games, school recitals, and rarely helps with homework. John loves his daughter, Emily, but his demanding job keeps him away. As Emily grows up, she starts making decisions that John disagrees with. Maybe she falls in with the wrong crowd, struggles with grades, or faces other teenage issues. John suddenly tries to step in, laying down the law and dictating what Emily should do. But by then, it feels too little, too late. Emily resents the sudden interest and rejects his advice. She’s thinking, “Where were you when I needed help with my math homework or a shoulder to cry on after a tough day at school?”

For practical advice: if you’re a parent or an adult in a child’s life, be present. It doesn’t mean you have to quit your job or be there 24/7. Quality trumps quantity. Make the time you do have count. Listen actively, show up for important events, help with school projects, and, most importantly, be emotionally available. This builds trust and gives you a solid foundation to offer guidance later.

Now, imagine another scenario. Think about your friend, Sarah. She grew up in a household where her parents were incredibly involved. They attended every parent-teacher conference, helped her with her science projects, and were there to support her during her awkward teenage years. When Sarah faced a tricky decision about whether to go to college or start working, she turned to her parents. She valued their opinion because she knew they had been there for her, consistently. Their involvement wasn’t just about giving advice when she was in trouble; it was about being part of her day-to-day life. So, their influence was natural and welcomed.

In essence, the quote serves as a reminder that relationships, especially with children, are built on consistent and caring involvement. You can’t just swoop in with advice when things go south. Being a part of the journey makes your voice one that’s respected and valued. So, if you want to influence a child’s life positively, roll up your sleeves and dive into their world. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.