image “Family With Two Children” by Ambro via FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Being a parent.
How do you define being a parent?
What does it mean for you?
As parents we do many things for our children throughout our day. We pack lunches, fix hair, help locate last nights homework that is misplaced, drive them to school or ensure they have a carpool or bus ride, help with homework, prepare dinner, remind them to brush their teeth, tell them goodnight and so much more. But what if we just did the basics in caring for our children and didn't meet any other needs they have? We as parents would be short changing our children. None of us would knowingly want to do that yet it happens everyday in some homes. Parents want their kids to thrive in all areas of their life and we can better equip them to if we commit ourselves to go beyond basic care. It's incredibly important to a child's well being that they receive what they need most from their parent.
Connection.
Taking our child to the park, to go bowling or for an ice cream are certainly fun outings to share but we can also carve out time for quiet moments with our children. It's so incredibly important for us to share a connection with them.
We can ask our children how they feel about school. Are they being bullied? Do they have anything on their mind they need to share? What was the best part of their day? We can ask about their friends. What was their last dream about? We can cuddle with them and share conversations that will grow into a connection that has the ability to last a lifetime. A connection that is allowed to grow and deepen beyond a commercial break during a football game. A connection that can bloom into a meaningful relationship uninterrupted by the ringing of a cell phone or ding that a new text is ready for us to read.
When we put away the x-box, the wii, the cell, the laptop and turn off the television, turn to our child and make eye contact when they speak to us it tells them something:
I'm important.
I'm more important than Daddy's phone call or text.
I'm more valuable than Mom's tv show.
I'm a priority over Daddy's game.
I matter more than Mom's web surfing.
And that is worth more than any day at the park, bowling alley or ice cream outing.
Because you are giving your child a connection.
A connection with the most important person in their life.
A connection with you.
And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:13
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. - Galatians 6:7-10
© gps-gracepowerstrength.blogspot.com ~ 2013
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