![]() ![]() We want our children to make good choices for the right reasons, not solely out of fear but they need a healthy fear of consequences, because they have an immature conscience (Cloud & Townsend p. When we teach our children limits, we are helping them have successful relationships with others, and respect for others and God. We want to gradually give our child responsibility as they show they are capable, but it’s important to realize our children come into this world wanting their way without consideration of others. We are born with a sinful nature that tells us we can avoid consequences for our bad behavior and failure we believe we control not only ourselves, but others as well, but reality tells us otherwise. Children are always pushing the boundaries in areas God designed for parents to have. It is imperative for children to learn what they have power over and what they do not. At times we all need help, and responsible people ask for help but they also take responsibility for things they can do themselves (Cloud & Townsend pp. ![]() It is important for children to understand the difference between “it’s hard” and “I can’t.” Just because they do not enjoy something does not mean they cannot do what is asked of them. Depending on the choice, the child can choose to suffer the consequences and continue to develop bad character, or can make loving, responsible choices which lead to good character (Cloud & Townsend pp. The child needs the freedom to make choices, responsibility for those choices, and for the consequences. As Cloud and Townsend stated, “Consequences make it the child’s problem” (Cloud & Townsend p 60). Looking to our children to meet our emotional needs, or being unable to deal with our child’s pain, ignoring bad grades or behavior in hope that it will go away, or letting our children wear us down with arguing and pleas, will only build bad character. If you have told your child numerous times to do something and they ignore you, yet you allow them to continue the behavior, why would they take you seriously? Our children do not come into this world knowing their needs or boundaries, so teaching, modeling, and helping our children see the realities of life will help them with character building and self-confidence (Cloud & Townsend pp. They may not realize how the child will react to their parenting (Cloud & Townsend p. Parents may over-discipline because they were over-disciplined, or under-discipline because they felt like they had too much discipline or because they want their child’s approval. Children learn about reality through consequences and have a sense of accomplishment when they have worked at something, grown through their successes and failures, and learned that honesty will cause them less pain in life (Cloud & Townsend pp. Parents must train their children to begin doing things without being told to take ownership of their feelings, attitudes, behaviors, and choices, etc. ![]() Otherwise, they may come to the conclusion that they are victims in life, who have no choice about how they treat others or allow others to treat them. In order for our children to learn to be responsible, they need to have consequences when they cross boundary lines. No parent wants their child to grow up to have zero motivation, think mom and dad should clean up after them, and not know how to plan or organize anything in their life. Hebrews 12:6, ERVĪs parents, our role is to be a guardian who limits the dangers of the world, a manager who helps instill self-discipline, and a source of wisdom, teaching our children how to care for themselves both physically and spiritually (Cloud & Townsend pp. The Lord disciplines those he loves, he punishes everyone he accepts as a child. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |