Raising Children

I've raised three children of my own and been involved in several other youth's lives. My greatest joy was seeing "them" enjoy themselves AND learning. I didn't try to meet every "need" they had to the demand, "But I NEED" to do this or that or have this or that. As I watched a father and mother and their three children recently, I saw the excitement and interaction with some puppies that had come up. The girls, especially one was loving every minute of it and the others were involved as well and having a good time.

As time and experience would have it, they "had" to go because they were going to "the park". After all, what a better "replacement", but was it? There are one of two variable in "doing" something as parents for/with our children. Sometimes they don't "need" to go to the playground, or see the next site during vacation, or get to the next "thing to do" because we know they will just love it. Sometimes we just need to know, what makes the most of every opportunity is they are with their parent(s) who are enjoying the time as much as they are...even if they are not. Parents, we have nothing to "prove" but we have so much to give...including our idea of what we think would make them happy...when they are already happy...being...

There are times however the "next thing" is what will challenge them to leave the enjoyment of "right now". If it teaches them, use it to discipline their mind and to learn. Hearing God when to move on is more important than hearing your self. At times. STAY and at other times. go ahead and leave, but the only real thing they need is you to hear and to be...with them and let them...be.