Articles
On Raising Kids
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Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
(Psa. 127:3)
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Every parent has had occasion to question this description of parenthood. If raising children is a reward from God, then what must a punishment look like?
Raising kids is hard, thankless work. Especially in their younger years, children are messy, lack common sense, have no self-control, and are utterly selfish. They are a threat both to themselves and to everyone around them. Also, they are terribly expensive. For these and other reasons, some adults choose to live their lives without them. It’s just not worth the trouble. Of course, if someone truly feels that way about kids, it's probably best that they avoid that career track.
But for those who choose to take on the challenge, how can it be done well? How can parents raise the next generation without losing their sanity? There are several essential ingredients that parents must bring to the game:
Sacrifice. Children require an enormous investment in time, money, and energy, and those resources must come from somewhere else in their parents' lives. Parents must be willing to pay the price to secure their kids' wellbeing.
Affection. When parents often cuddle, hug, and play with their children, the kids are more likely to grow up well-adjusted and happy. They learn from an early age that they are valued.
Patience. Children require a lot of discipline, but it must be measured and composed. Parents must choose their battles wisely, distinguishing between childish mistakes and deliberate defiance. An angry one-size-fits-all response to all misbehavior will crush a child's spirit.
Love. When parents pour themselves into the lives of their children, they are teaching their kids one of the most important life lessons they will ever learn: I am loved and appreciated. Even when the kids respond with ingratitude and insubordination, the pain parents experience gives them a deeper appreciation of the Biblical story of God's love for His disobedient children.
Someday we will see the little urchins who gave us so many sleepless nights develop into responsible young adults. When that day comes, we will know that it was all worth it. That will be our reward.
--David
