Everyone approaches parenting in their own unique way. Roy and I were overwhelmed with the sense of responsibility we now had. We could no longer be self focused because there was a tiny (yet rather loud) new life demanding from us.
All through the pregnancy a number of maternity magazines graced our coffee table. Although they offered some great health advice they also promoted a number of “must haves” which we of course went out and bought. My Mum would frequently say things like, “We didn’t use that in our day.” or “What a waste of money, why don’t you just do it the way we did”.
As I look back I realize that I highly valued the weight of the ‘experts’ and ignored the ‘expert’ who had raised me! I was guilty of throwing the baby out with the bath water.
Our eldest son is now 20. It is hard to believe that I am now one of those out-dated people who don’t know all the new gizmos and gadgets on the market. Roy and I are not up to date on the current parenting theories but we are incredibly blessed to have three wonderful children who have survived our parenting skills.
Dad and Mum thank you for everything. We can’t remember the advice from the magazines but we value the principles you taught us.
- Pray for your children daily
- Don’t just teach them about God help them find a relationship with God.
- Don’t preach… live it.
Deuteronomy 11:18-20
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
