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"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
(Philippians 4:13)
Good morning, and happy Wednesday to you! Thanks for reading our devotion for today. This week, I am sharing some principles that will help encourage and equip you in the wonderful responsibility of raising your children. Here are few introductory remarks on parenting that my wife Ashley and I strongly believe:
- There are no perfect parents. We know this to be true, but it is good to be reminded. You may be a parent today who is thinking you are a total failure. Well, that is not true. We can all do better, but keep in mind, everyone has failed at some point in being a parent; everyone except, of course, the Heavenly Father! All of us as parents can testify that we make mistakes, and had we to do it over again, we would do some things differently.
- You can change your Levi's, but can't change your genes. Your family of origin and your own parental influences are powerful. The key is to glean from what your parents did well and change what they did poorly. My dad was way too strict of a disciplinarian. He believed that if you spared the rod then you spoil the child, but he took it way too far. However, one of the worst whippings I got was not from my dad but from my sweet mom. I was about five years old and did something I should not have. This was not uncommon for me as a child. Most of my discipline came as a result of my propensity to aggravate. On this occasion, when my mom tried to spank me, I ran from her. She would get close, and I would take off running, and I thought that was kind of funny. But when she caught me, there was nothing funny about that switch upon my backside. Needless to say, I did not run from her again!
- Parenting is not for cowards, as Dr. James Dobson states. A few weeks ago, Ashley and I were eating dinner with a couple, and one of their children was asking to get some more soda to drink because her brother had gotten some extra. The mom did a great job speaking to her daughter. She was fair and firm in explaining to her daughter that her brother had indeed disobeyed her, but she would not get any extra soda. Later, this mom told us, you can tell why some parents will just let their kids get away with anything, because it is hard work to stay on point as a parent; it is exhausting!
- The order of birth of your children makes a difference in who they are and how you as a parent should raise them. The first born is typically a little more dominant; the middle child a little more compliant, and the youngest, well, he or she will take advantage of almost any opportunity given! Every child is different, and we cannot parent each child the exact same way. They are so unique, and it is best, in my opinion, to tailor our parenting skills to the specific needs of that child.
Moms and Dads, God is for you as a parent. If you call out to Him for help, He will come to your aid and empower you to be the parent He wants you to be. Philippians 4:13 is still in the Bible!
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