When I look at all the young fathers and mothers in the Assembly, I can’t help realizing how blessed their children are to have parents in the Faith. Some of these parents have known Yahweh all their lives. Watching these young couples walk in strength of their Faith in everything they do is a joy. Their support of one another through all the problems of life is exemplary as they guide their families toward the Kingdom of Yahweh.
Other mothers and fathers come into the Faith later in life, sometimes as a family and sometimes by themselves. As they work to overcome sin themselves, they also are teaching their children Yahweh’s ways and commandments. Learning Yahweh’s ways brings happiness to families if they allow His will, forgiveness, and mercy to be their everyday guide.
To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die…” Ecc. 3:1-2. How true are these words of the Preacher.
The loss of our fathers this past year still brings tears to both my husband and me, as our thoughts and memories drift to the time when they were here with us. Our fathers were different in so many ways, but similar in their strength. Not just the physical strength when they were younger but also their resolve to never give up. Even in their later years they kept going till they could go no more. Their attitude of never giving up, no matter what, has touched each one in our families.
Don’t ever give up! Stay strong, work hard for Yahweh and for your family and for the brethren around you. There will be trials and everyday problems. Nevertheless, continue as a guide and example for your children, showing them how to persevere. Your children watch you in what you do, say, and act. If you say one thing and do another they’ll do exactly what you do! You will also lose their respect.
When I was a young mother I thought I had all the answers on discipline. Wow, did I have a lot to learn. It was hard for me to watch my husband discipline our little toddler at first and I would come to the rescue. Guess what? It didn’t take long before our child started playing one of us off against the other. We learned quickly to stand united as a couple, even if we didn’t agree with the other’s way of discipline at that time. We would discuss it later behind closed doors, but never in front of the children, I also realized when my husband stepped in the children listened.My husband showed our children amazing love in the way he disciplined.
He was calm, never disciplining in anger. He listened to them and discussed with them what they did wrong. He helped decide restitution, he was fair in punishment, and most of all he reassured them that they were deeply loved and because of that, correction was necessary. It hurt my children’s feeling when they knew their father was disappointed in them, even more than the actual punishment. There were always lots of hugs and smiles afterwards and most of all, respect.
Another strength yo
u might need to find deep within you, due to difficulty with a strong-willed child, is let your “yes” be “yes,” and your “no” be “no” just as the Word says. When your child comes running to you, asking for something, consider your response before you answer. Don’t say “no” and then give in and say “yes.” If you do you have just taught your child that wearing you down will get him what he wants. He will also learn that “no” doesn’t really mean “no.”
It’s okay to say “no,” but let them know why. Maybe they misbehaved that week or maybe what they want to have isn’t good for them, etc. Remember, this goes both ways. Don’t forget to say “yes” sometimes too, especially when you want to reward their good behavior. Be consistent and be strong! Your children will love and respect you for it.
Yahweh’s powerful example is His love for His Son. Let Yahweh’s strength, love, mercy, and correction that He showed us guide you with strength to teach your children the way they must go so they do not depart from Him or you…
by: Margie Mansager
Very good article. I was going to elaborate on a post I made just yesterday on this very subject but was afraid if might sound negative. I was the disciplinarian in our family, my husband was my children’s friend. So it’s no wonder they liked him better, he has all the toys.