Children’s Ten Commandments for Parents…

I recently read this short in a publication that quoted Kevin Lehman from “Dear Abbey” January 12 1981. This is a great reminder to us as parents of our attitude towards our kids and others’ kids as well. We sometimes forget they are living as children in our grown up world. Sometimes we have to get down to their level, both physically and mentally, to understand and react properly . Our ignorance in forgetting these principles is a cultural awareness issue. We seem to be so engrained into this me first, selfish culture of today that our thinking and reactionary measures become molded by it. How true and good are these eleven reminders (I added number eleven from my own convictions) that I feel I should print and paste them onto a wall for viewing constantly. That being said, I could wallpaper the whole house. For, we as parents have a responsibility, maybe our biggest in our lifetimes, to nurture and grow our kids up right so that they can become able, discerning adults. The task is enormous, unfathomable, daunting, exhausting, and joyful all in one. But it is a responsibility before God and our kids, anything else would be a failure. Well, here it is….

Children’s Ten Commandments for Parents…

1. My hands are small; please don’t expect perfection whenever I make a bed, draw a picture, or throw a ball. My legs are short; slow down so that I can keep up with you.

2. My eyes have not seen the world as yours have; let me explore it safely; don’t restrict me unnecessarily.

3. Housework will always be there; I’m little for only a short time.  Take time to explain things to me about this wonderful world, and do so willingly.

4. My feelings are tender; don’t nag me all day long (you would not want to be nagged for your inquisitiveness). Treat me as you would like to be treated.

5. I am a special gift from God; treasure me as God intended you to do – holding me accountable for my actions, giving me guidelines to live by, and discipling me in a loving manner.

6. I need your encouragement (but not your empty praise) to grow. Go easy on the criticism; remember, you can criticize the things I do without criticizing me.

7. Give me the freedom to make decisions concerning myself. Permit me to fail, so that I can learn from my mistakes. Then someday I will be prepared to make the decisions life will require of me.

8. Don’t do things over for me; that makes me feel my efforts didn’t measure up to your expectations. I know its hard, but don’t compare me to my brother or my sister.

9. Don’t be afraid to leave for a weekend together. Kids need vacations from parents, and parents need vacations from kids. Besides, it’s a great way to show us kids that your marriage is something special.

10. Take me to sunday school and church regularly, setting a good example for me to follow. I enjoy learning more about God.

11. Be authentic.