Parenthood is a gift from God, yet it can sometimes test our resolve. As our children grow into adults, we grow along with them, into better parents. Sometimes these growth spurts can take a toll on the relationship we have built with our child, but by using the philosophies behind Love & Logic Parenting, the cost can remain at a minimum.
Love
Express the Love part of this method with empathy and humor. Your child should know that they can make poor choices, and your love for them will not be affected; unconditional love is the key to a healthy relationship. It’s also important to explain to them that at times, you will need their empathy for poor choices that you make as well.
Logic
Express the Logic part of this method by allowing your child to make decisions, and fail, in order to teach them how to make better decisions in the future. While it’s painful watching your child learn a lesson this way, it’s better that they fail when the consequences are still small, rather than later in life when they’re more prominent. It’s also the perfect opportunity to teach your children how you try make good decisions.
Have Faith in God, and in Your Child
As God trusts us to raise our children, so must we trust our children to learn from their mistakes, and from us. Give your children the opportunity to make the right decision the next time the same situation comes up again. Whether it’s remembering to bring home their homework, take their lunch to school, or completing a chore you asked them to do; give your children the chance to show you that they have learned the lesson you tried to teach them.
Proverbs 22:6 Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. (NIV)
Building a strong, respectful relationship with your child takes work. By following the Love & Logic techniques of empathy, humor, and decision making, you are helping to create a person with whom you will have an everlasting, strong bond with, and whom will have a greater chance to thrive as an adult. For information about financial aid for private school, please contact CornerStone Christian Academy & Tykes at (702) 939-5050.