Comments on: Wanted: Far Sighted Parents

By: Kelly L

Kelly L — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:05:51 +0000

Great post. This thought alone is what forced me to be the wife I am called to be instead of the nag and boss. I didn’t want our daughter to turn out like I was. Now, because I submit, I am the boss of the house like the Prov 31 woman, the helpmate of my honey, and the teacher of our girlie, too. See women can have it all. *Chuckle*

By: Kim M

Kim M — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 02:31:33 +0000

I have been thinking about this so much lately. Thanks for your post.

By: Civilla

Civilla — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 15:44:10 +0000

I was very blessed to have my father and grandmother raise me, and they were very forward looking. They were older (my father was nearly 40 when I was born, — he was born in 1915 himself — and 43 when my brother was born), and older people have been down the path and have wisdom to advise. They knew what they wanted for us children.

They wanted my brother to have a trade so he could support a family; they wanted me to be a homemaker with a skill to fall back on should I ever have to support myself. I also had to take music lessons, so that I wouldn’t grow up to be a “horse’s a**” in my father’s words (I didn’t grow up in a Christian home). My brother and I had nothing to say about this. I was signed up for secretarial courses in school, and music lessons whether I liked it or not. (He nixed ballet lessons as impractical, and we couldn’t afford both: “When you are 30 years old, nobody is going to ask you to do a ballet dance in their living room, but if you can play a musical instrument, you will always be asked to play!” and he was right.) My brother was taught welding by my father himself. My father was very authoritative, so he had his way. We weren’t happy at the time, but we’re glad now.

I tried to bring that forward looking aspect into my marriage and raising my children. You have to have a vision for your children: where do you want them to be in 20 years? Praise the Lord, I can honestly say that ours are where we want them to be right now. Warning: older children are not always co-operative, but DON’T GIVE UP. We have the Lord on our side and can pray.

Older family members are natural mentors because of the relationship. They will not always be mere cheerleaders, though, but will step in with advice and warnings, which is not always appreciated. In our country, younger people tend to blow off the older ones, often to their own detriment.

By: shanie

shanie — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 01:33:14 +0000

one of the things i will always be greatful for, i was practically raised by my grandmother and great aunt. like civilla said, the multi generational family is such an eye opener. i pray that someday my children will understand the importance of patience, and of not living for your own life, and lifetime. what a great post for the new year kelly, thanks!

By: Sarah F

Sarah F — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 00:27:37 +0000

Good point, Civilla. I agree.

By: Michelle Devine

Michelle Devine — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 20:36:31 +0000

I have been watching the American Heritage Series by Wallbuilders.It addresses the sacrifices and the unbelievable devotion to God in their lives. They laid a christian foundation that has helped shape our Constitution. We need to be looking to our future with same values and determination. As we raise Godly children to look to the future and their part in it.They will know the truth will win out.

By: Civilla

Civilla — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 18:17:30 +0000

I think that when extended families lived closeby each other, generationally, it was easier to look ahead: older family members could warn and caution. Many of us today don’t have that advantage. You really do have to look beyond the end of your nose when raising children.

By: Andrea Maddiex

Andrea Maddiex — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 15:38:37 +0000

I completely agree with the sacrificig thing. I believe that the “dying to self” to achieve a greater good is becoming a lost virtue. I know I have been guilty of it at times. One of my main goals to work on over this new year.

By: elizabeth

elizabeth — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 22:06:41 +0000

Well said Kelly, and so couinter cultural at this time. I have come to realize if my children fall away to some degree that responsibility is mine. I am not rearing a child to 18, I am getting a soul entrusted to me ready for eternity.

Happy New Year to all of you!