March 21st
Well- my first ever blog! I am about to understand this world of blogging and why people would be interested in hearing from a mom who has been through it all! OK, perhaps not all! How about a woman who has lived a ton of life- experienced God in ways no one could imagine-traveled to many foreign countries and still came out of it all loving people and life more than she ever thought possible?
My first thoughts are...if you hate life, I am sure it will hate you. If you love it- it WILL love you in return! In all of my travels throughout the US, Canada, western Europe, and Poland, I have found that people are basically the same- kids do about the same around the world… and NO America...not all teens are bad! Each of them has great potential to become awesome men and women in their future. They just need guidance to help them along the way! I am sad to learn many parents are unaware of how to build relationships with their kids. They spend so much time and money at department stores, garage sales, or online looking for that perfect gift to satisfy their child's cravings, only to be disappointed by their own insatiable desire to have more. Some parents just want to be "Best Friends" with their son or daughter and not the bad guy- the one who says NO. Often, young parents, when challenged with a child’s wishes, are driven by their past life experiences. For example, if a parent had a rough time as a teen and felt their wardrobe was inadequate compared to others, they might transfer this feeling to what their teen is asking of them. They might feel the urge to appease themselves and give in to their teen’s demands. I have a friend who never received anything from her parents, so she finds herself giving in to her entire family. Whatever they want, she gives it no matter the cost or effect to her personally. Unfortunately, that is a big problem with AMERICA today... wounded parents can still act emotionally like children themselves. And since we know most children copy their parents’ behavior, the viscous cycle perpetuates and we are spinning down the vortex into childishness...America- who once was strong- now weakened by the almighty Lazy/Selfish/Greedy lifestyle. (I am not speaking of those who grew up in horrific circumstances with neglectful or hateful parents. I will chat about that in a different blog post. I am only referring to the average teen and average loving parent).
My first thoughts are...if you hate life, I am sure it will hate you. If you love it- it WILL love you in return! In all of my travels throughout the US, Canada, western Europe, and Poland, I have found that people are basically the same- kids do about the same around the world… and NO America...not all teens are bad! Each of them has great potential to become awesome men and women in their future. They just need guidance to help them along the way! I am sad to learn many parents are unaware of how to build relationships with their kids. They spend so much time and money at department stores, garage sales, or online looking for that perfect gift to satisfy their child's cravings, only to be disappointed by their own insatiable desire to have more. Some parents just want to be "Best Friends" with their son or daughter and not the bad guy- the one who says NO. Often, young parents, when challenged with a child’s wishes, are driven by their past life experiences. For example, if a parent had a rough time as a teen and felt their wardrobe was inadequate compared to others, they might transfer this feeling to what their teen is asking of them. They might feel the urge to appease themselves and give in to their teen’s demands. I have a friend who never received anything from her parents, so she finds herself giving in to her entire family. Whatever they want, she gives it no matter the cost or effect to her personally. Unfortunately, that is a big problem with AMERICA today... wounded parents can still act emotionally like children themselves. And since we know most children copy their parents’ behavior, the viscous cycle perpetuates and we are spinning down the vortex into childishness...America- who once was strong- now weakened by the almighty Lazy/Selfish/Greedy lifestyle. (I am not speaking of those who grew up in horrific circumstances with neglectful or hateful parents. I will chat about that in a different blog post. I am only referring to the average teen and average loving parent).
So what’s the answer?
L~O~V~E, my friend. The kind of love only God can give… it’s unconditional, tough and hands on. The type of love you can go to bed at night and really appreciate you have. The kind Jesus gives to each of us as we seek out acceptance and self worth. That is this Moms way of living and parenting. That is how I have made it thus far. Praying and asking for guidance and the right direction for each of my kids. The Love of God…there is nothing like it!
Blessings!
No comments:
Post a Comment