We constantly need to evaluate our method in raising our children, so we may improve upon our shortcomings in what we offer them, and to avoid serious mistakes early on in their lives that may cause deep wounds and leave permanent scars.
In this article, I would like to mention ten needs of our children, in focused points supported by Biblical verses. We, parents, should evaluate ourselves against these needs. We always need to ask ourselves, do we provide for these needs? And at which level do we provide them?
Therefore, I would like to invite all parents to give themselves, in all honesty, ten points for each attribute, then add up all the points at the end of the evaluation.
These needs are:
1– Security and Tranquility: “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.” (Ephesians 4:31).
2– Tangible and demonstrable Love, compassion, and warmth: “And ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20).
3– Continuous giving: “I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.” (Acts 20:31).
4– Open dialog in mutual respect: “Come now, and let us reason together” (Isaiah 1: 18).
5– To be a role model, in everything: “Be an example … In word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 12:4).
6– Encouragement: “Comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.” (1 Thessalonians 14:5).
7– Good understanding, and deal with them wisely: “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise.” (Ephesians 5:15).
8– Patience and hope: “with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2).
9– Availability: To dedicated time for them, and be involved in their lives and activities: “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same.” (Hebrews 2:14).
10– Unconditional acceptance: This means that you open your heart to them, regardless of their habits or faults. “Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7), “You also be open.” (2 Corinthians 6:13).
Dear parents:
* If your total score is greater than 80%, this is excellent.
* If your total score is between 70% - 80%, this is good but needs some improvement.
* If your total score is between 60% - 70%, this needs major improvement.
* If your total score is between 40% - 60%, there is a great need for adjustment and change.
* If your total score is less than 40%, the situation needs immediate attention, because the children are in a dangerous situation.
