I am often thinking about how I can equip my children for the real world, of the pure simpleness of childhood and the day to day makings of a grownup.There are many areas in which my children will need instruction before becoming adults in order to know how to take care of themselves and loved ones in the real world, academic education is not enough.
I have most always included the children, from very young ages, in the everyday activities of life, but I remember, at times, thinking oh, but he is too young, he can´t do that.
When we intentionally expose our children to the everyday skills we take for granted, they become equipped for adulthood.
As parents we desire so much for our children. We want the best education and the most enriching life for them, but often that means sports, dance, art classes and more activities outside the home. These things do have value, but are they preparing our children for the everyday life and challenges of adulthood?
When I pray for my children, first I pray that they will love God for a lifetime, and that they will be a reflection of Him in their lives. I pray that they seek Gods purposes and that He will give them vision for their lifes path in career, marriage and their own families. Yet, in times past, praying for them to learn the essential life skills of banking, grocery shopping, or cleaning a bathroom never crossed my mind. However, it is the small and the large life skills that will help them get along in adulthood.
God has shown us our obligation as parents and by training our children to be prepared adults, wise and responsible we are giving a gift to their future spouse, children, employers and friends.The simple, practical lessons of life are invaluable to our children´s future.
9 comments:
oh. i love this post. the pictures are beautiful. where did you get them? children are precious!!! it's amazing what we expose our children to. like keith, he knows how to run the whole church service. we didn't teach him but he is very observant and absorbant (is this a right word.)
Ling, Just do an internet search for free photos and you will come up with an abundance of them.
By taking Keith along side you, you have taught him these things. It is a part of his life, and this is what I am talking about...
Just now, I slipped and almost fell on the stairs and the first thing that came out of Keith's mouth was....."mom, are you alright? do you want me to pray for you?" and he prayed for me.... You are right. It's part of their lives as we impart the love of God in them. I am sure you have a lot of stories you can share about your children.
Ling, I have to laugh, because, quite honestly, though I am truely a sincere person, my children, well, I just don´t know where this comes from (maybe the Greenes, hehe), but whenever I have fallen the first thing that both my children do is LAUGH! Then, they will check on my condition. Oh well, each of us has our own personality, but it really would be nice to have the immediate response of "mommy are you ok, let me pray for you". HA! Life is not perfect, but we work daily at perfecting it.
Mom! if we see that no one has a broken bone, your fine ;P lol
sheesh....jk
Great perspective Colleen!
When I was growing up, it was required to learn many of these things to keep the family going. With my Dad dying young and my Mama working outside the home, it wouldn't have worked otherwise. Back then there were times when it felt like a burden, but hind sight, oh my gosh, I am eternally grateful for what was required of us. I believe in my heart that it made myself, and all of my siblings, strong surviving individuals!!
I enjoyed these pics. Glad to know about the website with the free pics, you never know when one might need them : )) !!
XO
Yes Michaelene, I alwasys had such high regards for your mama. She had alot on her plate raising five children alone, and having to work outside the home. She was truely a women to be admired, so sweet and special, she did a wonderful job raising loving, responsible children, a wise woman indeed.
Oh Colleen, thank you so much for your kind words about my Mama. God truly blessed me (us) with her. She set such an example. She was a happy,loving person who ALWAYS saw the good side of everything. She would always say "honey it will all work out, it always does", and.....she was right, it always did and continues to. I have many a friend, who will quote my Mama on that from time to time.....very endearing.
I forgot to mention that I noticed you had changed your profile and picture!!! You smart handy dandy, you!! I'm not far behind you with the blog, but it may be a few more days, which I won't get into those details now.
XO
And you know Michaelene, I can hear here saying that too! I remember her gentle wisdom and tender heart.
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