Most homes look forward to the babbles, squeals and smiles of children. Nothing lightens the heart more than the acknowledgement of children that we are great parents. Parenting is hard and there are no hard and fast rules on how best to train children, however there are basic principles that have applied over the years and will continue to. Typically, we provide for them, give them the best our income can afford, celebrate their victories and big days, scold them when they fall out of line, on and on goes the list.
In themselves these actions are worthy, the question to ask however is “are these actions all that children need?” This question will probably provoke you to submit that all that children need is provision of their needs and wants. Pause a bit, look back on your childhood and ruminate on the things you feel your parents should have done better, I bet you that showing Love adequately will top that list. Weren’t you jealous when your friend’s father patted his back after your match? Didn’t you wish you were the one being kissed and hugged, when your classmate’s mother did that? You will then agree with me that the most important thing children need is Love. Pure, unconditional and all-consuming love is the ingredient that will make your parenting duties worthwhile.
“I show love to my children when I provide for them, don’t I?” Yes you do. Nevertheless, these actions become routines and mechanical without an intentional show of love to them. How then do you show love? By daily speaking words of affection, constantly affirming that they are the best, reprimanding them lovingly when offend or when their grades drop, cheering them on at school and church contests and activities, one on one discussions with them, taking them out, supporting their dreams amongst several others.
Doing all these is no child’s play, but the effect of your dutiful loving will be evident in your relationship with your children. The effect will be instantaneous; they will open up to you more, their confidence in themselves and their abilities will be boosted, they will in turn become loving to others, they will handle failure well, and of course they will put more efforts in their academics to impress you. When they are older, you will be acknowledged more for your intentional love and not just for providing what they needed.
Beyond wealth, beyond giving them the best that life offers, beyond luxurious vacations, beyond your making money to meet their needs, the most important thing children need is LOVE.
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