Friday, April 3, 2009

Parenting 101

Ephesians Chapter 6 gives us instruction on how to treat our children. "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." What in the world does exasperate mean?

Exasperate: to irritate or provoke to a high degree; annoy extremely. I think in modern terms, it could be "to wear someone out by picking on his or her petty shortcomings".

I think as parents we HAVE to allow our kids the opportunity to learn from their failures. We have to teach and encourage them to become independent, self-thinking members of society. Why do we feel like we can't let them attempt some things on their own? Is it over protection? Or, is it that we may have to "re-do" something that they mess up?

Whatever the case, our job as parents is to provide, protect, and guide our children. We have to let go of the leash, and allow them to practice some of the things we have taught them.

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