Ever complemented a parent on how wonderful their child is only to be told “I wish he/she were that way at home”? For some reason we say it bothers us, but tend to tolerate children who are unkind, disrespectful and down right mean and ugly at home. We tell ourselves it was because they had a bad day, their hormones are raging or it’s part of growing up in today’s world. We console ourselves that at least their behavior outside of the home is godly.
The good news (if there is any) is that your kids feel comfortable letting their hair down and being themselves at home – especially after a bad day. The bad news is their behaviors reveal there are still some heart issues regarding self-control, kindness, gentleness, goodness and a host of other fruits of the Spirit. By ignoring their behaviors or writing it off to a bad day, hormones or growing pains, you are allowing these heart issues to begin to take root permanently in their hearts.
If I had a nickel for every grandparent who bragged about spoiling their grandkids and for every parent who was frustrated with their previously strict parents, I would be rich. Spoiling seems to be synonymous with grandparenting. As parents, you often seemed like military sergeants enforcing the rules when your kids were little. Now you take great pleasure in helping your grandchildren break almost every rule your kids have established for them.
Your kids have a special gift they can give other children. Children are often great story tellers. They have a unique perspective on life other children can understand. If your children love God and can see Him working in the world and in their lives, there is a fun, creative way for them to share their faith with other children.
How well do your kids know themselves? Do they know their strengths? How about their weaknesses? Do they know what makes them sad? Do they know if God has given them a passion to serve Him in some specific area? Do they know their heart’s desire? Do they know if their heart is turned towards God or away from Him? Do they have their own faith in God or is it just something they do to please you?
Have you ever bought an item for years and then the company suddenly repackaged it? Often it’s because the company wants consumers to view their product differently. They know they can often change the way a product is packaged and consumers will view the product differently – even if the product itself has not changed at all.