Train Up A Child

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Let me tell you something that I saw, but I still can’t believe. I was getting a few groceries the other day and I saw this little 6 or 7 year old boy yell at his mother “go over there, wait for me and SHUT UP!” But that was not all…she did just like he said! She looked scared to death. What on earth is that all about? But wait, there is more, he found a toy he wanted and told her that if she did not get it for him, he would yell and tell everyone she hit him. Then he started screaming like he was being killed, so she bought it. He left the store with a big grin on his face. I just don’t get it.

Proverbs 13:24 He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him chastens him early.

When I was about 10 I got my mouth washed out with soap for saying OH MY GOSH, my grandmother said that it was just too close to taking the Lords name in vain. If my children started acting up in public, I would give them the “look” and they straightened up right away. They still talk about that look and both of my girls now have their own versions. My son is not married yet but I am sure he will have his version as well. I don’t remember any of my friends or my kids friends that ever talked to their mothers the way that little boy did.

It makes me wonder what kind of adults we are raising. Are they going to expect everything to go their way and to get everything they want? It also makes me wonder what kind of business people they will be or if they will even obey the laws. Have we listened to the “experts” and read so many “how to raise your kids” books that we have gotten away from expecting our children to behave? I think we need to go back to the basics and read THE book – The Bible! You know discipline is not a bad thing, it is a tool used in teaching our children how to behave and to respect others. What happened to please and thank you? Yes mam and Yes sir are gone as well. Have manners gone out the window too?

Now I do agree that some people have gone too far and abused their children and I am very strongly against that. I do NOT believe in abuse of any kind and feel that punishment should be very swift and strong. Children are gifts from God and we are to take care of them and teach them how to be responsible adults.

Father we come to You asking for blessings on the parents of today. Be with them and guide them as they attempt to teach right from wrong and respect for others. Also, father please be with their children and help them to become strong and responsible adults. In Jesus’ name. Amen