Exploring Our Children’s Potentials

Ever felt heart-broken when you see your children’s unpleasant behaviour?

I know I have.

And now that I have two older ones at home, the frequency of me being in such ‘an emotional state’ is higher.

Compared to when they were all ‘babies’, I mean.

And basically it’s because as children grow, they are increasingly capable of doing more things, including things that they know are … wrong.

They may talk back and refuse to be in the wrong, even when they are wrong.

They may speak rudely to siblings, when they know they’re supposed to be loving.

Or, they may simply … behave in disrespectful ways. To us. The very people who love and care for them every day.

Yes, children are blessings from above. But, they also are sinners, like me.

At times like this, I remind myself of what a friend once shared with me.

That everyone is a sinner. Including children.

And when we deal with sinners, the reality is … we most likely get hurt, one way or another.

…

Yes, children are blessings from above.

But, they also are sinners, like me.

And so here’re some reminders that I’d like to share today.

Whenever I feel heart-broken and hurt because of my children’s disrespectful behaviour, I tell myself:

– We are the adult, they are the children. We need to be the mature one and be in control of the situation and most importantly, our own emotion.

– They are still growing up. After all they’ve only lived in this world for …. years, while we have lived decades longer than them. We should know better, NOT feel discouraged and continue to instill positive values to them, even though we have yet to see the ‘fruits’ of our labour.

– Continually work together with our spouse, as a TEAM. Support and respect each other, and teach the children to respect their parents, who is OUR SPOUSE.

– Remember that they too are sinners. They are naturally inclined to do what’s wrong, even when they know it’s wrong. For my case, because I have faith in Christ, I too need to bring my children to Him, as it is only through having a personal relationship with Christ as their Saviour that they too will have the strength to be more in control of their lives and sinful nature.

…

May God – who has entrusted these little ones into our care – help me, and all of us, to be better parents every single day.

Have a blessed week ahead, everyone!