Giraffe survival tactics

When was the last time you’ve been to a zoo? What kind of animal fascinates you and why?

I guess most people would pick out the lion. Others would choose the gorilla as their favorite and then of course the wickedly mystifying presence of the snakes in their pits.

I don’t know what fascinates you but I love to look at giraffes. Doing so strains my neck but there is that carefree innocent look upon them. I don’t know why but when I look at giraffes, I smile a little bit because I remember somebody saying that the reason why giraffes look the way they do is that it is actually a horse drawn and designed by a committee.

But do you know that there are precious life lessons we can all learn from a giraffe?

She is the largest mammal who gives birth while standing up. Can you imagine what the baby giraffe must think when he bounces on the ground from that great height? Leaving the security and comfort of the warm, cushioned quarters in which all his needs, comforts and security were provided. Now he finds himself bouncing off, comparatively speaking, on the hard, cold and unwelcoming ground.

And this is just the start of a long and hard learning process. For almost immediately thereafter, a new trauma occurs in the baby giraffe’s life. As he struggles to his knees, Mama Giraffe gets busy “persuading” him to stand up. You don’t see Mama Giraffe cuddling or fondling the baby giraffe but on the contrary, she gives the baby giraffe a swift kick to prod him to faster action.

Now, most people would be shocked at what she is doing. I can imagine a group of people would immediately convene and shout “child abuse!” But watch what happens. No sooner does the baby giraffe reach his feet then Mama delivers a booming kick that knocks the baby giraffe back down. If the baby giraffe could talk he would probably say, “Make up your mind, Mom! First you kicked me to make me stand up. Then you kicked me back down!” And this process is repeated several times. There is a reason to this. And it is called Tough Love.

The kicking continues not because Mama Giraffe is harsh and cruel but because she knows that the only chance for survival her baby has is to be able to quickly get up and move out of harm’s way. Yes, kicking the baby up and down seems like a strange way to show love. But for a baby giraffe it is the ultimate expression of love.

Now, please don’t start kicking your children around because you are not a giraffe. But learn the principle of raising kids well in a world that will not be kind to them unless they learn the rules for survival.

Abigail Van Buren says: “If you want your children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders.” This is so true because the best way to make it soft and comfortable for your kids in the future is to make it hard for them today. There are many successful business people today who would attribute their current success to the discipline they got from their parents.

The sheriff’s office in a Texas City once distributed a list of rules titled “How to Raise a Juvenile Delinquent in Your Own Family.”

Begin from infancy to give the child everything he wants. This will insure his believing that the world owes him a living.

Pick up everything he leaves lying around. This will teach him he can always throw off responsibility on to others.

Take his part against neighbors, teachers, and policemen. They are all prejudiced against your child. He is a “free spirit” and never wrong.

Finally, prepare yourself for a life of grief. You’re going to have it. Real love is evidenced when you do what is best for the other person, whether or not they appreciate it at that moment. This is why God disciplines His children simply because He loves them.

As I always say in my leadership talks and trainings. “Leadership begins at home.”

(Experience two inspiring days with Francis Kong learning leadership and life skills in his widely acclaimed Level Up Leadership on May 25-26 at the brand new Shangri-La Hotel at the Fort. For further inquiries contact April at +639285591798 or Success Options at 7270291 / 7275692 or register online at www.levelupleadership.ph)