WHAT YOUR CHILDREN WANT

As I was recently studying for a lesson on parenting I came across an older book by J.J. Turner that included the following information:

In a study conducted nearly 50 years ago by British author and psychologist R.F. Hertz, 100,000 children between the ages of 8-14 in 24 different countries were asked to make a list of ten rules for their parents. This was the final list that was compiled.

1. Do not quarrel in front of your children.

2. Treat all of your children with equal affection.

3. Never lie to a child.

4. There must be a mutual tolerance between parents.

5. There should be a comradeship between parents and children.

6. Treat your children's friends as welcome visitors in the house.

7. Always answer children’s questions.

8. Don’t blame or punish your children in the presence of their guests.

9. Concentrate on your child’s good points; don’t emphasize his failings.

10. Be constant in your affection and in your mood.

It is an interesting concept to consider what our children are thinking about us. If we want to have a good relationship with them, and be a powerful influence in their lives, we will listen to what they are saying.

Parenting is more than handing down rules and being a disciplinarian. What most parents are missing out on is relationship building.

Our children want our time, our affection, fairness, the truth, and a good example. They want to be able to respect us for all the right reasons. They want to know us, share with us, and be proud to call us theirs.

It is a documented fact that children are always wanting to know whether or not they are pleasing to their parents. Maybe it is time for some parents to ask themselves whether or not their behavior is pleasing their children.

"And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." ~ Ephesians 6:4