After much thought and prayer today, I've come to this question...when did being a good parent become such a bad thing?!?
I say good, but what I mean is leading by our actions, validating our children's feelings, removing them from bad/harmful situations, trying to filter as much vulgar language as possible from the influences outside our home, showing them constant/unwavering love, teaching them manners (to be gentlemen) and most importantly centering our home around Christ.
The reality is that this season of being able to give our children a strong foundation, a solid moral compass and the understanding of how deeply they are loved, is such a short time frame. I can't be my children's filter forever, as of now my children are 4 & 1, so my husband and I are every bit in the drivers seat to determine what is acceptable for our children and for our family. When they are 10 & 7 I'm sure we'll be playing with a whole new set of rules.
We have two incredibly loving little boys that have big bright eyes, that are wide open. They don't miss much, they have an unlimited amount of curiosity and they are determined to make everyone laugh. We prayed and asked God constantly to let us become parents and we don't take our responsibility lightly. We're thankful for every season, milestone, celebration and yes even the crazy days. I seriously thank God every night for the crazy, tough times as a parent because at least I get to have them!
There's no handbook on how to parent, guide and grow a thriving child..but we all do the best we know how. Our decisions may not fall in line with your decisions and thats okay.
The hurt comes in when someone belittles you as a parent and suggest that your kids wouldn't have allergies if you didn't shelter them. That logic is quite humorous, but coming from the right person can be damaging. I won't let my 4 yr old go to men's restroom alone, in a few years I'm sure that may change, I'm not there yet...but to say that's sheltering my child is incorrect. In my mind and in the only way I know how, I'm trying to protect my young child from a possible experience that can't be erased. Their innocence should absolutely be preserved as long as possible.
I realize that parenting may have looked a lot different in the days I was being brought up. I personally don't see how parenting in the 70's, 80's, 90's etc. should look so different when the core of parenting is to love, nurture and provide a safe haven. But of course we all hear the stories...when you were a kid this, when I was a kid that...and so on.
I can only speak for my husband and myself and conclude with this, we will not compromise on what we feel is best for our children. We will not stop parenting our children to make you feel less convicted about your own actions. And we certainly won't spank our children because " if that was your child you'd be whooping a bottom"...not your call! I don't mind being the topic of your conversation because at the end of the day my children are loved deeply, extremely happy and being raised in a Godly home!!
“Above all else, guard your heart for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23
"Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body." Luke 11:34
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
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