Four good things to give to your kids
I love to give things to my kids.
It can be a tricky balance to know when to say "yes" and when to say "no." But I often think of Jesus' words in Matthew 7 when He says, "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!"
God knows how to give. He knows when to give us what we need, when to provide us with what we want, and, more importantly, when not to to provide us with what we want. Still, Parents should love to give good things to their children. By "things," I don't simply mean "more stuff." What are some of the "things" we can give our kids this week?
Good words:
Our kids pick up on everything we say. I'm thinking of times when my wife and I were having a conversation, thinking it was to ourselves, only to have our kids ask about it later that day or even later that week. Kids' minds are sponges. Every day and every word makes impressions, most of which you won't see the impacts of. One of the best things we can do for our kids is to speak kindly to them and share good words each day. I'll write more about good words that we can give our children later, but what good words do your kids need to hear from you today
Good time:
You get home; you're exhausted. You've been playing "taxi" service for the entire week and want some "time" for yourself. It can be easy for everyone to get home and sequester in their rooms with their phones, iPads, video games, sports, etc., and "live in their own world." It's not wrong to have those times; nobody wants to play "Monopoly" daily. But the point is to MAKE family time. To be intentional to make time for your kids and with your kids. We're all going to be looking back and wondering where the time went, but the memories we made will last with us
Good experiences:
I look back and truly appreciate how my parents sacrificed to give my siblings and me the best experiences possible. When I was barely a teenager, my dad took my brother and me to get scuba-certified. I haven't been diving in 15 years but have incredible memories of scuba diving with my dad. My brother and I got into BMX racing, and my parents would trek us all around the Midwest to race on Saturdays. They saved and made time for a family vacation each summer. As a parent now, I often feel like the moment I step out of my house, the "meter" starts. By meter, I mean the money I will be spending. But those experiences make lifelong impressions on our kids. By the way, experiences don't have to cost much money. Go hiking, go to a park, build something, find something your family can do together, and do it regularly.
Good discipline:
We don't want to discipline our kids (at least, I hope you don't). I want my kids to naturally be well-behaved, kind-hearted, unselfish, gentle (while simultaneously confident), well-spoken, etc. These things aren't natural to any of us. The scary thing is that much of the negative behavior I see in my kids is something they've probably picked up from me. That's why our kids need parents willing to correct them, teach them right from wrong, provide appropriate punishment, and hold them accountable. None of these things are easy or fun, but it's part of the responsibility that the Lord has entrusted us to raise our kiddos.
Parenting isn't for the faint of heart. But it's a blessing; let's cherish the moments and do our best!