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Sometimes when we parent, the characteristics we desire to train into our children – those that Jesus taught us – make us feel like we are going against the culture of the day. We feel like we are swimming upstream and against the current. Have you ever seen the videos of salmons swimming upstream against all odds trying to reach their goal? If the goal is worth reaching, it is worth giving your absolutely best effort.
One of those currents we must swim against is that of entitlement. It seems to be a fairly common trend in our children these days in this country. Parents, who are often bone-tired or feeling judged and defeated, must choose to fight against it consistently and constantly. Or, they can decide to take an easier route that requires less effort during the exhausting child rearing days and face struggles and heartaches much of the rest of their lives. Consistent training when your children are very young pays off in the long run and removes the weight of regrets when both you and your children are older.
How are ways to accomplish this? First, model it; live it; crave it. God is faithful to work in us to give us the desires of our heart in God. Face the truth in your own life – if you need to remove entitlement from your heart – have the courage to pray and act. Deal with it if you possess it. Victory In ourselves makes the path of victory easier for our children.
Other simple steps are to teach the words “please” and “thank you”. Ma’am and Sir are not used much today but make a huge impression on those around our children as well as on their own character as it is developing. Give you children the gift of gratitude, manners and generosity.
The saying (taken from the Bible) is absolutely true that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) Teach them to give. My little grandson recently sent some toys of his to children he heard about in Venezuela that have nothing right now. The pastor that delivered those toys sent us photos of those children with the loved toys. My precious five year old grandson experienced what only GOD can put into our selfish sinner hearts – a joy unspeakable. His little heart and words said: That makes me so happy. I want to give all my toys to them.
Be brave enough to trust God to give that joy to our children. Be brave enough to let them learn to give. Be brave enough to not give them everything they want. Let God give them better gifts that mere “things”. For more ideas on preventing entitlement, follow this link.
How do you battle entitlement?
#parentingisnteasy #bebraveinparenting #tipthursday