Comments on RogBro: Parenting

During worship the other morning we heard from a m...

2007-10-10T10:01:00.000-05:00

During worship the other morning we heard from a man who either headed up the children's ministry or was heavily involved in the children's ministry out at Saddleback Church for many years. He said, "The Church is only a generation away from extinction". I found that to be a powerful reminder that as parents we bear the responsibility for teaching our children about Christ and how they should treat others. Society certainly isn't going to.

Most parents (and children spend more waking time ...

2007-10-09T03:44:00.000-05:00

Most parents (and children spend more waking time away from each other). While parents must work to earn a living for thier family and pay for the education. Most children are being taught how to pass test and how they must be tolerant of anything and everything. Some of the things our children are being taught would not have been tolerated in my parents day! Self centeredness is a pathway to desolation and that is the road our children will be lead down if we don’t take control away from the lossy goosey liberals and put our faith in God’s word. Appoint Good leaders to the boards. Just take a look at the NEW books?

It has been my experience that young children want to help and should be encouraged to do so. They will if empowered; help were ever they can and those patterns will be established early. Chores are a good way to tech structure and no one is to young or to old to contribute to the cause. ‘Bissy work’ (non-productive work) stifles growth but being allowed to manage ones own time and resources is liberating and helps a person to grow and develop new talents and helps keeps a person happy and adaptable. I know there are those who are more comfortable with a structured environment and they should not be forced out side of their comfort zone but allowed to venture out as they are able and allowed to return as they need to.
Indulging is something every one does but don’t allow it to lull you into a permanent self absorbed state that has it’s end; and it is not pretty. A massage can help in many ways it is a wonderful gift, it doesn’t have to cost a penny. My aunt used to sit behind me as I drove the car on long trips and her massages helped me very much. Not much has changed in 2000 years, if you read Plato you will see they had the same problems in his day and there was much debate written about it. The self sacrificing love written of in the bible is the solution to our society’s ill’s. . . remove it and we will all perish! (don't use His name in vain, don't use it for selfish gain)

(I do agree that children should be watched and no...

2007-10-08T03:49:00.000-05:00

(I do agree that children should be watched and not be allowed to rule over their parents and or other children (with their childish demands) as they voice their wants and desires trying to manipulate to gain what is not theirs (often at the cost of others needs). Some children are not so self centered and are very empathetic to the needs of others, they are most willing to “go the extra mile” those are the children that will share or help without expecting or demanding anything in return without thinking “what’s in it for me?” Those children are like precious gems or beautiful delicate flowers in the garden of life and will need to be lifted up from time to time. While some children have been, “spoiled” some have been “abused” (two extremes with damaging results).

There is a better way to raise up the future leaders: Lead by example and watch your children, know your children and don’t allow your children to spent to much time with any one or group you don’t know or don’t approve of (this is most important when the child is young and impressionable).
Activities do sometimes take time away from family time. Focus on your children know your children. Structured activities can help develop skills etc. but should not at the cost of autonomy which often develops quite naturally as children play together on their own with parents watching from a distance. Parents should never use children as scape goat or a place to project their own quilt and shame, nip that in the bud. Children don’t need it and should not have to carry adult baggage. They will be adults soon enough.
I am thanking God, as I count my blessing.