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“Anyone can be a mother or father, but not everyone is a mommy or daddy.” This was the statement made by my wife during a conversation that we engaged in concerning the family. The primary focus of her statement was our nephew who has lived a very hard life. For eleven years his father has been absent with virtually no contact with him. His mother has chosen a lifestyle that has often placed our nephew on the back burner.
What a profound statement! It does not take a lot of time or effort to father or mother a child. But, it takes a lifetime of effort and energy to be a mommy or daddy. So, what does it take to be a mommy or daddy? Specifically, what does the Bible teach us about being a mommy and daddy?
First, it takes love (Titus 2:4). The love of a mommy and daddy will speak volumes to the child. There is no greater security in a child’s life than to know that he or she is loved. The love of a mommy and daddy causes them to play with, protect, provide for, pray for and discipline their child. This is takes time and energy and may not always be pleasant. However, love is the overarching principle that will determine how well we do theses things.
Secondly, it takes training (Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4). It is not the responsibility of the Church or a Christian school to provide our children with Biblical training and instruction. This responsibility primarily rests upon us as parents. Take time to read Bible stories to your children. Help them memorize scripture. Take time to discuss different situations of life and why they are right or wrong. Every Sunday on the way home from church, talk to your kids about what they learned. Pray with them.
Thirdly, it takes careful attention (Ephesians 6:4). It is the responsibility of the parents, specifically daddy, to not provoke their children to wrath. Many families have been torn apart by the neglect of the parent’s toward their children. As a result, the children are many times driven to gain attention. What better way to gain attention than to do something drastic and perhaps even revengeful. Don’t speak harsh words toward your child. Take time to listen to them and respond appropriately. Don’t crowd them out of your schedule by a packed worked, social, and church schedule.
What will be the result? As our children grow and mature, they will remember the lessons that you have taught them. They will remember the time that you poured into them. They will bless you and speak well of you to all they meet (Proverbs 31:28). That makes it worth it all!
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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