Apr 24 Thu
8 tips for raising solid children who know how to go against the tide
If you are concerned that your children may be swept up by the dominant ideologies and the relativistic nature of our society, here are eight tips to help raise strong children with strong personalities to go against the current and resist.
1. Parents' lives must be coherent.
Children are sponges that absorb everything and are specialists in detecting the inconsistencies of their parents. It's hard to expect a child not to lie if he hears his father lying on the phone. Parents must live the Christian principles they want their children to live, so values are instilled. One transmits only what one lives.
2. Marriage must be strong.
The child feels loved in three ways: the affection that his mother has for him, the affection that his father has for him, and the affection that his parents have for each other. And this lays the foundation for children with strong personalities. The breakup of parents opens wounds for children.
3. Children should feel proud of their values.
You defend only what you are proud of. They should learn to say no to many things that they know will not benefit them, even if that makes them feel rejected.
This is achieved by giving reasons to children and living those virtues. Why does a child become a fan of a football team? Because he sees his father rejoicing, suffering, and having a good time with that team. For a child to become a Christian, he must see his parents living a Christian life.
4. Parents must know their children well.
Trust between parents and children is needed so that children can tell their concerns about what they experience every day. For this, there is no better time than during dinner. Of course, without television.
Many parents don't get to know their children because they've never had serious conversations about what love, joy, or faithfulness are. This is a great time to talk to your children and bring up their accomplishments, struggles, and problems.
5. We must not overprotect.
Protecting children is the duty of parents. Overprotecting can have dire consequences. Preserving children from assuming responsibilities will cause them to feel insecure when facing their obligations. This can generate a lack of self-esteem. A person who is not demanded is a person who is not valued, and he will not feel loved.
6. They should feel loved.
Parents should tell them 'I love you' and not only when they are children, but throughout their lives because that fills the child with joy and gratitude.
7. Educate in sobriety.
The key question is, does my child need this? I'm sure you've all heard this phrase, "It's just that all my friends have it." This is the perfect time for the child to compete against a hostile environment.
8. Prepare them; they will be attacked and persecuted for being faithful to their Christian principles.
They must be taught that, sometimes, they may be rejected and misunderstood. But there is a silver lining to this. The attacks will reinforce the values of these children, who will feel even more proud of who they are.
Some excerpts from Revista Mision