Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
The purpose of a mother is not to make happy children but successful adults. Mothers want to be liked but will sacrifice that for creating successful adults. They want their kids to be self-sufficient and learn how to master simple tasks such as making their own toast, cutting their own steak without fear of them drawing blood, and perhaps lighting a match without having to call in the National Guard. Kids need to learn the basics, they need to learn how to be resourceful, they need to know about the evils of debt, and the life-long advantages of saving. We want them to aim high, but not beyond their means. And they need to know their means, in addition to so many other important things!
What do you want your kids to know for sure about this life? Maybe you have already raised your family and looking back you have so many good words of advice you could share. Some of the important things that mothers want their kids to know are good things for all of us to remember:
- Don’t Lie- Children who lie slip into lives of manipulation and deceit. Honesty creates healthy self-esteem and allows real response to mistakes from people who love them. Honesty creates healthy self-esteem and allows real response to mistakes from people who love them.
- Take Care of your Relationships– Life is relationships – like Brother Van always says – so learn how to navigate the waters and communicate well with grace and love.
- Know and Believe Who You Are in Christ– Other kids and social media are hard on our kids. It is important for kids to know who they are and that they are valuable and loved by Christ and that is the only opinion that really counts. So many kids, and adults as well, fall into the trap of social media, which makes everyone, and everyone else’s life and family look so much better than ours. We have to stay rooted in Christ’s love and the value He places on our hearts. And, as mothers, it is important to know that we are mothers, but we are also daughters of the King, and our purpose on this earth extends further than our children. That is our main purpose for a season, but when that season is changing, we don’t have to feel as if we have no value and that we have lost our purpose. God has a purpose for all the seasons of our lives.
- Know that God’s Got You!- When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:2-3I want to remember this and definitely want my child to know that there will be deep waters that try to overwhelm you and there will be fires that try to consume you in life. I wish I could keep that from happening, but it is a part of life, which is why God made this promise. He will be with you. He will keep the waters from overwhelming you and the fires from consuming you. Just know that they will come, but He has you.
As mothers we want all these things for our children and more. We also want them to stay connected to us after they move out on their own and start their own lives. We want them to feel like it is an open door and anytime they can come in, feel loved and sort out their stuff, and also find wise counsel and be prayed over.
Home…is where I go to sort out the stuff in my life. is where I can admit my greatest weakness or failure and still feel accepted. – Van Houser
