We were totally hands on parents. Ryan just told both of us that we were constantly teaching and training them when they were growing up. He said because of it, he had no problem with coaches correcting him. Many parents want their children to learn from their mistakes. We didn't want our children to learn by making mistakes. We wanted them to be fully aware of the mistakes of youth and avoid them and their consequences.
We wanted our children walking with the Lord and His ways from the time they were born. This took constant teaching and training. We wanted them to clearly know the ways of God and that they were good. We constantly steered them on that narrow path.
We were considered strict and controlling parents. We didn't agree. We took the Bible seriously when it tells us to Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it {Proverbs 22:6} and You shall teach them to your sons, talking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up {Deuteronomy 11:19}. We knew we were the one's responsible to raise godly offspring; no one else.
We nipped disobedience and rebellion in the bud as soon as we saw it. We wouldn't let them throw tantrums, fight with each other, or complain. Anything the Bible said to get rid of, we worked tirelessly to get rid of in our children. We knew it would be a whole lot easier for them to be disciplined, self-controlled adults if they were disciplined and trained as children.
Raising our children was a joyful experience. Ken and I marvel at what wonderful adults they have all become. They all walk with Jesus, love their spouses, and work very hard. We are friends with all of them and enjoy each other's company. When we are on vacation with each other, there is never a cross word between any of us. We love each other.
There really is NO greater joy than to see your children walk in Truth! I encourage you to be hands-on parents. Don't let the world, their friends, or society mold and teach them. This is why mothers need to be home full-time with their children. It is a full-time job, but well worth the effort. There are great eternal rewards for raising godly offspring. It is the highest profession any woman can choose.
HERE is a blog written by Janis, my mother-in-law's sister, whose father raised six children who all walk in Truth! She teaches in order to raise godly children, you MUST Walk the Talk!
