This is where it’s so exciting to see a generation of parents who know this is not, and should not be typical in the Christian home. But knowing it and implementing it in the lives of your children can be two different things.
I guess, in large, this is why we started homeschooling. We had a lot of expectations that frankly seemed impossible to pass on to our children if they were immersed in a peer group who did not have the same expectations.
“Do hard things”…as the Harris boys challenged; and many parents are rising to it, doing whatever it takes to shape a new generation–a generation that is powerful, humble, and driven, all at the same time.
And so, when I constantly try to brace up young mothers at home with toddlers, the vision is that even now, at their young ages, ESPECIALLY NOW, their life purpose is being shaped.
Expect greatness, and they will rise to it. Expect honor, and they will honor. Expect virtuous character and they will behave accordingly.
Read hard books to them.
Applaud their interests.
Converse with them like adults.
Respect them, and require respect from them.
Expect them to honor others, and speak gracefully.
Teach them about virtuous men and women of history.
Be with them more than anyone else is.
Talk to them about marriage, praying for a spouse, and waiting for him/her.
Give them jobs bigger than you think they can do.
Praise them sincerely.
Have fun with them.
Pray for them and with them.
Require them to memorize Scripture.
Tell them you can’t wait to see how God uses them.
Point to other godly examples for encouragement.
PRESS ON!
The work you do is good work. Don’t be weary. The impact will be felt indefinitely.
3 comments
Kelly, this is such an important topic to discuss.
My aunt recently told me that her only child, a young man in his late teenage years, has completely “crossed off his list” his parents (she and her husband). She warned me to be prepared for this and just “hold him a lot while he’ll let you.”
This doesn’t make me mad at her, just sad. It doesn’t have to be this way but people think there’s no avoiding a young person turning nasty, self centered and rebellious as soon as the clock strikes “13”.
Fabulous post, Kelly! What a good reminder of how important the days are now. I must invest and sow the things of God now and trust the Lord for the harvest. I too want something much different and far greater than the “norm” for my children. Our oldest just turned 12 yesterday. I refuse to “expect” it to go downhill. I see such promise in her and the others that I hope it just gets better and better. Thank you for sharing your insight! 🙂
Rebekah H.
Yes, yes, yes!!! I firmly believe young adults crave to do important things. Not just ‘busy work’ to occupy them until they are an adult.
My oldest is 15 and the next one down is 13. I can honestly say that I am enjoying these years as much as when they were little. They are both smart, funny, loving, cooperative young adults. One thing we have done is to encourage them to rebel against the culture instead of rebelling against our family. I am praying this works as well for the ones who follow.