Building Habits Starts from the Family
Regardless of what the kids ‘naturally prefer’, positive habits can and should be encouraged.
Eg. Morning walks as a family, limited gadget use when together with the family (mealtimes, inside the car, etc.), helping out with house chores, etc.
…
Not all initiatives are always welcomed by the kids of course.
I mean, if we follow the kids’ preference, it would PROBABLY be:
– waking up at ANYTIME they want over the weekend
– eyes on gadgets ALL THE TIME
– lazying around and doing nothing much in front of the TV for hours
– refusing to help out with house chores (which btw are simple ones like: cook rice, wash dishes, throw out the trash, etc.)
I know some parents say, ‘My son watches TV for 3 hours and refuses to do his homework. I can’t make him do it.’
(And he’s 7yo. and the mother is 35yo!)
…
It can get mentally and emotionally drainingAt our home, we make it very clear:
we are the parents and we are accountable to God to teach our kids what we believe is right and necessary. Yes, even when the kids do NOT like the good habits, and even when we seem to be the ‘bad guys’ for not giving what they want.
…
We are not here to make you happyAnd here’s what I say to the kids every now and then:
‘We are not here to make you happy. You are in our family and we have this big responsibility to raise you as best as we can, and we pray hard that you will become the kinds of people God wants you to be when you grow up.
One day, we will stand before God and be accountable for the ways that we have raised you. And you will, too. You will be accountable to God for the choices you make. If we can learn and grow together, it makes things easier for everyone.’
…
Of course, in reality, parenting is hard!
Parenting is hard!The kids don’t always understand our decisions and choices. And it can get mentally and emotionally draining, especially when I am faced with bickering between siblings, attitudes, talk-backs and tantrums.
And so, I do remind myself:
They are the kids. I am the adult. And all this challenges are part and parcel of training and building habits. The journey is still long. Stay on track, one day at a time.
…
Building habits should start from us, from the family, from home ♥️
…
May God help us to be consistent, patient, loving and wise. Because it sure is not easy.
JIAYOOO to all parents!!
