For those of you who had or have small children, you will understand this. There are times when it can be difficult to say the least. There is no limit to the creativity of these young people to manufacture mischief and mayhem or, as they sometimes call it, fun. Sometimes their version of fun can be infuriating, though. Transitioning from a newly-married young adult to quickly becoming a parent can be difficult. One day you can work, travel and stay out late whenever you want, and then the next day, you are deprived of sleep, money, and social life. I found this transition to be a challenge.
Recently, I have heard the best parenting advice ever. Every age of your child comes with different sets of challenges. At the moment, your Christian attitude toward your children can fail. You can lose your temper, say something you shouldn’t or be too impatient. It may be hard to keep everything in perspective when they are testing you. I know it can be difficult, but you can do it. What I am about to share has helped me, and I think it can help any young parent reading this.
Try to imagine that you are 80 years old. Your children are all grown and have children or grandchildren of their own. One day you discover a time machine that can be only used once. This time machine lets you go back and spend one full day with your young children. How would you feel? Would you so easily raise your voice when they misbehave? Would you be quick to send them to their room? I think your feelings for that one day would be similar to my own. You would be thrilled to look your child in their young and innocent eyes again. You would hold them close. Tell them you love them. Make silly faces with them. Laugh like you don’t have a care in the world. Run and play at the park as long as they would want to. You could experience the joy of your children running into your arms from across the room. You would listen to every question they had. Your heart would feel like it was about to burst when their tiny, little voice tells you, I love you, Daddy or I love you Mommy. You would read every book on their bookshelf they want to read to postpone going to bed because for the first time you too don’t want this day to end either. I think you would enjoy spending time with your children again. I know I would be more patient, kind, and loving.
Of course, there are times when we need to be their parent and not just their friend. Keeping this thought in mind, however, can help one be a better parent and be more present and attentive to your children.
Luckily, us young parents don’t need a time machine. Our children are here, now, with us. We can take this lesson and apply it to our lives now. Cherish the limited time you have with your children. Every day they become older, and they need us less and less. All the messes, lessons to be learned, and broken things are a blessing with the right perspective. We all need to understand our time with our children is priceless, precious, and fleeting. Love your child as Christ loves us. Fully, wholly and sweetly.
