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.

An image a week 9…

80's Sofia

Family Time

Jareth and Grandma Van playing games.

One of my favorite things to do is to spend time with my families.  I have an aging Grandmother, distant sisters, and lots of wonderful nephews and nieces.  It is cool to see everyone’s talents come out at some point in time.

 

Jeshua # 9, and his team.

 

Wether it’s sports, around the table, or individual artistry, these times are set in my memory forever.  I spent some time recently at the parents house, as well as a couple school activities for my nephews.

Jeshua (Jeshua Becham?)

Each time spent being a gift from God and a joy to be around them.  Here are some of my recent memories.

Jeshua attacking...

What do you like to do when your around family?  What lasting memories do you have?

Josiah, the next Sinatra.

Another Realm…

I have a little niece, many little nieces, but this one in particular was involved in a photo shoot.  She was very model like in her time with me.  Not only did she “do her own thing”, she smiled and did it when she wanted to.  I had the easy job of just following her around and shooting tons of images.  Just happened to pull this image off when she was in one of those moods.  Do you have any kids that go to fairy land when you’re trying to work with them?  I figured she was getting the best of both worlds in her mind. Her name is Jhana Whitener.  And, she’s a doll, just like all my other nieces.

The Sun Will Come Out, Tomorrow...

An image a week 5…

mmmmmm...