Monday, March 23, 2009

"It'll be different when they're your own kids..."

These word ring in my ears on a regular basis and I hate them. Why? Why would unacceptable behavior suddenly become more acceptable because it is my own children? Why would whining, screaming, crying, tantrums, and disobedience annoy me less coming from my children? My mother didn't accept it from us, why should I accept it from my children.
I believe in training with a switch, Biblical chastisement, homeschooling, healthy snacks and meals, and structured schedules. I expect that when I read in the Bible what good children should be when parented properly that I can get the results that the Bible describes. From the description of parenting from most parents, I wonder why they even have children at all? And if they have more than one, why? unless by accident.
The song "What's the Matter with Kids these Days?" always irks me. The matter with children is lack of training from lazy parents. Children are allowed to be the way they become, and people call it normal. I can't accept that.
How is it easier to allow the child to run the home? How is that any way to live for anyone? How is it easier to tolerate disobedience and foster selfcenteredness? Why would I want to do what is easier for me and not do what is beast for my child, my family as a whole, and the rest of society?
What is so impossible about expecting first time and cheerful obedience from a two or three year old? Why should I reward my fussy baby with attention? Why should I have to put all of my nice things away for fear that my children will break them?
I accept that I am idealistic, but my ideals are based on what the Bible says is possible. I believe that there are women out there who display the characteristics described in Proverbs 31. I myself may not have achieved such a feet, but I strive for it daily. If women can accomplish what it is to be a Godly wife and men can accomplish what it means to be a Godly husband, then how does logic serve that these godly husbands and wives would have spoiled and disobedient children? My brain cannot be wrapped around this concept.
I am not perfect and I do not fancy myself all knowing or wise, but I have seen the results of good parenting, rare as it may be. I know that it can be done. I have read books, heard testimony, seen the results of what children can be if the parents take the time and effort to train, teach, and discipline their children properly.
Parenting is one of the most difficult assignments God had given humans and I don't think people take it as seriously as they should. teaching new people to be people is hard. As someone without children and who wants four of them, the prospect of that kind of responsibility is frankly quite terrifying. I pray that I have the strength of character it takes to rear up Godly children. But it is something I know I can do.

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