parenting

I was greatly challenged over the weekend as we heard several messages on the home. We certainly have a great responsibility as mothers and fathers. What vision do you have for your family? How are you taking steps to accomplish that vision? These were two of the ideas presented to us. Another one was about meeting the real needs of our children. What are they? One important one is that children need to feel loved and have a sense of belonging. They really need and want boundaries set up for them and enforced even though outwardly they may act like they don't. They need to learn about God and as they grow older to make a decision to make that Him a personal God and then to make pratical applications to that. As children grow their needs get more complex...that is certainly the truth!! WE have a 13, almost 14 year old and there are many times I wonder just what way to take with him. Honesty and humility from the parents are very vital in dealing with teenagers. It is very crucial to keep open the lines of communication with your children but that seems easier said than done sometimes. Parenting takes a lot of time and commitment. We have to constantly evaluate our lifestyle and keep things in their proper priorities. The most important thing we can give to our children is ourselves as people being totally sold out to God and what He wants for our lives. The children will know whether or not you have a vital relationship with God by the way we act. Always treat their emotions as adult emotions...in other words the little thing that has happened to them to make them sad is just as important to them as something that makes us feel sad. For example, your little boy's toy gets stepped on and broken. His feelings about the matter are very real to him even though to us it may just be a cheap toy and nothing worth crying over. May God give us wisdom as parents.