1. My hands are small; please don't expect perfection whenever I make a bed, draw a picture, or throw a ball. My legs are short; please slow down so that I can keep up with you.
2. My eyes have not seen the world as yours have; please let me explore safely. Don't restrict me unnecessarily.
3. Housework will always be there. I'm only little for such a short time-please take time to explain things to me about this wonderful world, and do so willingly.
4. My feelings are tender; please be sensitive to my needs. Don't nag me all day long. ( You wouldn't want to be nagged for your inquisitiveness.) Treat me as you would like to be treated.
5. I am a special gift from God; please treasure me as God intended you to do, holding me accountable for my actions, giving me guidelines to live by, and disciplining me in a loving manner.
6. I need your encouragement, but not your praise, to grow. Please go easy on the criticism; remember, you can criticize the things I do without criticizing me.
7. Please give me the freedom to make decisions concerning myself. Permit me to fail, so that I can learn from my mistakes. Then someday I'll be prepared to make the kinds of decisions life requires of me.
8. Please don't do things over for me. Somehow that makes me feel that my efforts didn't quite measure up to your expectations. I know it's hard, but please don't try to compare me with my brother or sister.
9. Please don't be afraid to leave for a weekend together. Kids need vacations from parents, just as parents need vacations from kids. Besides, it's a great way to show us kids that your marriage is very special.
10. Please take me to Sunday School and church regularly, setting a good example for me to follow. I enjoy learning more about God.
AND, he also give the four pitfalls that most parents fall into:
1. I own my children.
2. I am judge and jury.
3. My children can't fail.
4. I am the boss-what I say goes.
I am learning so much and hope that I can become the parent God wants me to be...I know I won't be perfect, but I do want to do this job well!!
4 comments:
Wow. I've been looking for a book to read next, and I think I just found it. Sounds like convicting, but definitely helpful information. Thanks for sharing!
Oh, and what size does Jacob wear now? I was thinking about sending you the things that I have with his name on them since my Jacob can't wear them any more!
So good! It's so easy forget that their perspective must be so different than ours. Thank you for this! There are things listed here that I know I will think about from now on. The boys are just adorable!!!
Sherry- you are always saying something on your blog to make me tear up and bring me to my knees. It's good, trust me. Thank you for being that kind of friend, who reminds me when I need Jesus to help me be this kind of parent. Love you girl!
This is really good! Thank you for sharing. This is a very good reminder.
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