by Tim Howard
When I was born in 1951 the ‘Traditional Family” consisted of
a married couple with one or more children living under the same roof and in
the same household. The father was the provider who went to work while the
mother stayed at home. Due to the major socio-cultural changes of the past
several decades, however, a great diversity has emerged and now the traditional
family accounts for less than 15% of American households.
In real life, in big cities and in smaller towns, a family
unit consists of single moms, single dads, stepfamilies, boyfriends and
girlfriends raising children, foster parents and grandparents giving guidance
to their grandchildren etc. In real life, in 2017, families come in many
different forms.
With the changing times and shifting foundations, it’s
difficult for parents to know how to raise children. That’s why the Word of God
is so helpful to those looking for priceless, ageless and changeless truth. His
words about family development and instruction for children have not changed
since their inception and still provide solid and sound directives.
In Proverbs 22:6, parents are instructed to train up their
children in the way they should go.
Training involves three specific components:
The first area has to do with INSTRUCTION. Our children need
to know the truth about God and their own personal identity. Parents will
help their little ones if they talk to them about God’s plan and purpose He has
in-store for them. A parent will prepare a child if they honestly talk to them
about life and death – The agony of defeat and the joy of success – the up’s
and down’s of life and principles that will position them for success down the
road. Talking to and with our kids will help them know they don’t stand alone.
The second significant area is EXAMPLE. Children develop in a
healthy way when parents resist the philosophy that says: “Do as I say and not
as I do”. Our children need role models who are willing to live out what they
say; ones who show it first and then say second. We all make mistakes and fall
short of perfection but living a hypocritical life with a dual standard will
not produce the results we all desire for our children.
DISCIPLINE is the third component. Proper discipline will
teach children the concept of boundaries and respect. When a child is guided
and guarded by the parent, he or she feels a sense of security and safety,
which in turn produces lasting results. Maybe you remember the term ‘Latchkey
Kid.’ It referred to the children who were left alone to discipline and fend
for themselves while both parents were out doing what they deemed necessary. It
wasn’t a positive thing.
Throughout human history, the family has been the foundation
of society. Strong family ties provide us with the love, security and safety we
need for a fruitful life. Children grow into well-adjusted adults through
instruction, example and discipline.
The days of the traditional family are long gone but it’s not
too late to develop strong family ties. Whether you are a single mom, a single
parent, a blended family or a grandparent raising your grandchildren – You can
have strong family ties.
This proverb shows the way. It is not a promise, principle or
precept but it has long lasting ramifications to those who practice it.
