This is a reminder that parenting requires faith. It needs us to trust that our children will need to find their own way to grow. As Christians, we submit to God to help lead and guide our children. The best way is to be changed people ourselves. A wise sage once said, "Aim not to be a sage at the stage but a guide by the side."
conrade
Happiness is Contagious
"If you always compare your children's abilities to those of great athletes, entertainers, and celebrities,
they will lose their own power.
If you urge them to acquire and achieve,
they will learn to cheat and steal to meet your expectations.
Encourage you children's deepest joys,
not their superficial desires.
Praise their patience,
not their ambition.
Do not value the distractions and diversions
that masquerade as success.
They will learn to hear their own voice
instead of the noise of the crowd.
If you teach them to achieve
they will never be content.
If you teach them contentment,
they will naturally achieve everything.
We all want our children to be happy.
Somehow, some way today
show them something that makes you happy,
something you truly enjoy.
Your own happiness is contagious.
They learn the art from you."
(William Martin, The Parent's Tao Te Ching, NY: Avalon, 1999, p5-6)
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