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Dear Friends,
As parents, we show love to
our children by spending time with them. Sometimes it happens
naturally, but more likely than not we as parents need to made it happen - preferable daily - because our
children need us! Dr. Gary Smalley shares with us in
a personal way how this happened in his life.
"As a family, we
camp together frequently. It is during those times in the car, or lying
in our sleeping bags, or waiting for a fish to bite when things are said
that give us deep understanding about our children. These special times
help us understand where they are going in life and what concerns them.
Just being with them communicates they are loved. A parent's willingness
to wait for conversation to develop further amplifies his or her child's
self-worth.
One summer night we
were in our motor home driving from Portland,
Oregon, to Chicago. It was about 10:00 p.m. and
everyone was asleep. I had planned to stop at a campsite around 11:00,
but Kari, who was about thirteen years old at the time, was awakened and
wandered up front and sat next to me. She brought up the subject of
dating and marriage and we got involved in a most meaningful discussion
about the consequences of premarital sexual involvement. We had no place
to go. There was no telephone to interrupt us. There is no way I could
have planned a more meaningful time together. We didn't need to stop for
food. And she was, of course, highly interested in conversation. We
stayed up until 2:00 a.m. while everyone else slept. These times seldom
occur unless we plan time together. If our children see us neglect other
things to spent time with them, they will realize how important they are
to us.
I often wonder why we, as
parents, are so reluctant to tell our children how valuable they are to
us. We need to let them know regularly that they are tremendously
important to us. Schedule times that are meaningful for all persons
involved. The activity itself is not so important, but it needs to be
something that is enjoyable for both the child and the parent. Often the
deepest relationships can be developed during the simplest
activities."
Good advise!
Take some time this week and schedule some quality time with your
children. Whether it be playing a game, or putting a puzzle
together, your children will know that they are valued because you
took some time to focus on their needs. You'll be glad you
did!
We're in this together!
Bruce
Also, In the event that you haven't
been to our webpage lately, we now have an online
book store set up with over 100,000 different
items. We carry a wide variety of books, CD's, DVD's and gift
items for everyone on your Christmas list! Why not click
over and take a look?
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If you
found this information helpful you will want to visit our website
for more! Each month we feature
articles on the topics of: men's issues, marriage, blended families,
parenting, and church ministry to families. You will also find a
great deal more information about House on the Rock Family
Ministries! Thanks for visiting.
Please
feel free to forward this to friends and family … we just ask that you
keep it intact … thanks.
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