How's My Parenting?

First, I would like to say thank you for all the positive feedback with my last post "How to Keep the Marriage Intact and Stronger", God is so faithful, he wanted us to know that there's so much to life than what it is. We just need to follow and obey his Words. His Word is life and a precious jewel to those who seek for it. So I would like to share more of his wisdom and be an inspiration especially to those who need it the most. Before we go and dig into today's wisdom, if you are a parent, try to ask yourself this question:

Who am I to my children? Are they proud of me? Is my name worth mentioning to them? Did I or am I raising them right? Two days ago, my husband and I were listening to this song "Walk a Little Straighter" by Billy Currington and whenever I listen to it, I can't help but cry. It says so much about the reality of life in a family and there's so much lesson to get from this song so I decided to share the first part of the chorus with you and the lyrics goes:

"And I'd say
Walk a little straighter daddy  You're swaying side to side 
You're footsteps make me dizzy
And no matter how I try
I keep tripping and stumbling
If you'd look down here you'd see
Walk a little straighter daddy
You're leading me"

Children learn almost all the basics through their parents. The way they talk, walk, dress and nearly everything else. Children see their parents as someone they can look up to from the moment they open their eyes and even when they are grown up. Though a child sometimes will not tell how they feel about their mom and dad, but inside them they know what and who their parents are to them. But sadly not all parents are good to their children. Parents must raise their children but sometimes it is the other way around.

SELF CHECK:

1. Who am I to my children?

Have you ever asked yourself who are you in your children's eyes. Are you someone they look up to?  Or someone they don't want to be?

The influence of the parents to their children is endless that is why setting a good example is a must. You cannot just hand your obligation to the school. The basic and most important education is at home and whether you like it or not you are your child's first teacher. The bible says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it." Every word and language you use is registered and remembered by your son or daughter, if you swear and say all kinds of bad words, don't be surprised when you hear your child say it. If you don't keep your promises don't expect your children to keep theirs.

Furthermore, mothers and fathers are their children's hero's because they can do and fix almost anything but what if they always mess up? What will the children learn from them? Will mom and dad remain as heroes in his or her eyes or the villain who destroys all that is good. "Walk a little straighter daddy, You're leading me" You are leading your child, so make sure you don't sway from side to side. Because whether you like it or not you are setting an example, so better set a good one.

2. Did I raise my kids right? or Am I raising them right?

The future of your child is in your hands. If you raise them good the way God wants it, they will likely have a better life. But in order for you to raise them well, you have to live right. Show your kids the ways of life through your actions and words. Don't teach them something you don't even do or else they will call you a liar. Set a Godly standard. If you do, you will always be at peace, because you know that your child is in the right way. As the Psalmist said, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

3.Does my child respect me and is proud of me?

As we all know, pride and respect cannot be dictated, you have to work and invest on it to earn it. You can't just tell them to respect and be proud of you, because in reality that is not how it works. You have to invest on it by behaving the way you should, the way a good parent should. Your child will honor you and respect you not because you told them to do so but because you are worthy of it. A good example can be found from the second stanza of the same song:

"He stumbled in the gym
On graduation day
And I couldn't help but feel
So ashamed
And I wasn't surprised a bit
When he didn't stay
He stumbled out before they called my name

And I thought
Walk a little straighter daddy
You're swaying side to side
It's not just me who's watching
you've caught everybody's eye
And you're tripping and stumbling
and even though I've turned 18
Walk a little straighter daddy
You're still leading me"

That is why the Bible teaches us about how to live our lives. If your having an issue with respect from your children, ask yourself why? what went wrong? Then, ask God to help you figure out how to fix this aspect of your relationship with your children. There's still hope and it is not too late. God can still help you.       

PRAYER:

Dear God,

Thank you for reminding me today of my family. I don't want to lead my children astray. I want them to be proud of me and love me and respect me. Help me O God and heal my brokenness. I can't do this without you. Build a bridge between me and my children. I know I cannot change the past but I can still do something with our future. Restore my family and make me a good example to them starting today. Let me walk straighter and lead them to a better future. Help me. This is what I pray in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.