Consider the Children
Children are precious. The Psalmist wrote, "Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward." (127:3). Children are brought into this world through no decision of their own. Yet many are abused, used as pawns, neglected, denied, and betrayed. Dr. R. F. Hertz, a British author and psychologist, engaged in a research project of wide interest. He asked almost 100,000 children, between 8 and 14 and from all walks of life in 24 countries, to make a list of ten rules of BEHAVIOR FOR PARENTS. Here is the list the majority of the children voted for.
Do not quarrel in front of your children.
Treat all your children with equal affection.
Never lie to a child.
There must be mutual tolerance between parents.
There should be comradeship between parents and children.
Treat your children's friends as welcome visitors in the house.
Always answer children's questions.
Don't blame or punish your children in the presence of children from next door.
Concentrate on your child's good points. Do not overemphasize his failings.
Be constant in your affection and your mood.
This list should cause parents to stop, look, and listen. Read it carefully m thoughtfully, and with self-inspection of your home. How are the children being treated in YOUR home? They are precious. They deserve the best. God gave this advice, "and ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath:" but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4)
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from House to House/Heart to Heart Publication
Jacksonville church of Christ