The Spirit Family
The spiritual meaning of the term 'extended family' has a different emphasis to the usual Earth-bound meaning.
Spiritually we are all one with closer and wider family units. The spirit being is a member of a Soul Group and interacts with other members of this group in most life times. Some times the time together is short but meaningful and in others we choose a longer relationship such as in a family member. But just because we belong to the same family in the Earth plane it does not necessarily mean that we belong to the same spirit family.
Both types of family are important. We may not know consciously who the other members of our spirit family are but that does not mean that they are not playing their part. We are supported in our soul purpose by our spirit family. Not always a comfortable position but a positive one. Just like a close physical family we are supported in times of need and when we ask for it.
Members of the spirit family that are around the baby may be recognised by him. Babies and young children are still able to feel and 'see' their spirit family easily and are often comforted by their presence. Not that we should pass on responsibility to his spirit family but we could ask for their help.
If you want to leave your baby out in the garden for instance, why not ask the spirit family to keep an eye on him and let you know if he needs you. If you stay open to your senses you will pick up any messages you need to. This is co-operation on a grand scale and is available to everyone. Ask and you will receive.
Respecting Age
On a physical level it is also important to keep the lines of communication open between members of your Earth family. In many ancient cultures the elders of the family are respected as having accumulated much knowledge which they wish to pass on to their children and grand children. Much of this knowledge use to include ancient Earth lore and is not written down. It is therefore important that children are given time to be with their elders and assimilate this knowledge.
Unfortunately this has broken down in the West. So called civilised cultures are based on new technology and the elders who have not learnt it are considered ignorant. In fact it is now the children who teach their elders. Not that this is wrong but it seems to reduce the respect they have for their elders. Without respect the line of communication breaks down. Respect is not something that an elder can demand but is something that is earned. It is much harder for present day grandparents to earn the respect from their grandchildren but, never say never.
As a parent, encourage the lines of communication to stay open and do not fall into the trap yourself. Your parents may not be computer buffs and have different ideas to you but they are still caring people who wish to partake in their grandchildren's life in some way. Allowing time for your parents to be with your child will help you by giving you time to yourself, will help by allowing him to expensive the wisdom of age and will help the grandparents by making them feel useful.
Wide spread Family unit
But what if the family unit has spread across the country or even across the world? In this case it is even more important to keep the lines of communication open. This is where modern technology does come into its own. Long distance phone calls and skyping are getting easier and cheaper and emails cost hardly anything and encourage writing skills. Using a web cam also allows you to see each other. All these ways of communicating across the continents makes it easier to stay in touch. The different experiences and cultures can be relayed back to each other and this can also help your youngster to sort out his ideas about different places.
This also applies to cousins who may have moved away. At one time cousins were so connected that it was not unusual for them to marry. Now cousins can be so far away that many are forgotten until family weddings and funerals.
When families start to move away from the ancestral home lands they can feel ungrounded and disconnected from the earth, literally. This is especially true if moving to another country. One way families have overcome this is to 'adopt' a local granny. This has many benefits. The 'Granny' may have lost her family and would like to become part of a family again. She will feel useful and loved and pass on her expertise and knowledge. The new family will have the older wisdom around them and the help that she can offer, such as baby-sitting. There have been many positive reports about such schemes. In stead of relishing the absence of our elders we would do well to welcome them and what they have to offer.