Well, well, well. Look who’s come a-clickin’ on little ol’ Mary’s column today! Now, let me start by saying, you probably don’t need to read this article. That’s right, you wonderful folks who have poured every ounce of your hard-earned sweat, blood, and tears into your precious offspring – you’ve done nothing wrong, right? Keep spoilin’ ‘em like it’s goin’ out of fashion. Oh, but wait… what if I told you that a little less generosity could be the best thing for those darlings? Intrigued? Well, grab yourself a nice cup of coffee and settle in. We’re going on a ride through the wild world of tough love!
Memory Lane: When We Were Kids
Ah, the good ol’ days! Remember when we were kids? Getting your hands on a soda pop was like discovering treasure buried deep within the earth. Our toys were sticks and stones, and our playgrounds were the great outdoors. But here’s the kicker – we were happy! Can you imagine giving our old selves a glimpse of today’s kids? We’d all have fainted from the sheer amount of stuff – the electronics, the clothes, the snacks, the whatever-else-they-want.
I remember my daddy giving me a dime every Saturday. My sisters and I would rush down to Old Man Thompson’s General Store and it felt like Christmas. Do our kids get that same thrill today when they have a hundred times more? I reckon not! Why, today’s children seem to view their stuff the same way we viewed air – invisible, always there, and taken for granted.
The Trap of Endless Giving
Alright, pop quiz time! What’s one thing you need to cultivate in kids for them to become responsible, God-fearing adults? No, it’s not the latest iPhone. It’s something far more priceless – accountability. The trap of endless giving is that it strips away this crucial life lesson. Kids begin to believe they deserve everything without working for it. Remember, hard work is a virtue! Proverbs 12:11 tells us, “Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.” Let’s not raise our kids to be the ones who have no sense.
Common Sense and Common Cents
Now let’s talk a bit about common sense. You’d think a bit of it would go a long way, but sometimes in our infinite parental affection, we lose sight of it. We start giving without realizing we’re robbing our kids of their own experiences. You see, when we overindulge our children, we don’t give them a chance to learn the value of things. We’re so busy giving fish; we forget to teach them how to fish.
When Gregory walked into the bank first time to cash his paycheck from mowing lawns, that boy stood a bit taller. He knew he had earned those dollars, and they meant the world more to him than any amount given to him out of the love in our hearts.
The Pride of Earning
There’s a simple joy and a sense of pride in earning something. It’s a God-given right to feel accomplished through hard work. When my daughter earned her first paycheck from babysitting, she bought her first Bible. Imagine my joy – not because she bought a Bible, but because she earned it! When we deprive kids of this feeling by giving them everything, we basically rob them of those proud moments.
Remember the joy of making your own money as a kid? Nowadays, many parents think they’re shielding their children from hardship by providing everything they need and even what they don’t. But the ‘shield’ can turn into a ‘cage,’ trapping them in a state of perpetual dependency. Do you really want that for your precious ones?
Building Character, Not Just Comfort
It’s wonderful to want comfort for our children. Trust me, I get it. But in our efforts to keep them comfortable, we could be doing the complete opposite for their character. Kids need to struggle a little. Let them face challenges, solve problems, and even make mistakes. It’s in these moments they grow.
C.S. Lewis said, “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” Amen to that! Trials, though they may seem harsh at the moment, are what builds resilience and wisdom.
The Power of Saying ‘No’
And here ya go – the most powerful two-letter word you can use as a parent: No. It’s a tough one, I agree. Who wants to see those sweet little faces scrunch up in disappointment? But I promise you, it’s a gift. When you say no, you’re setting boundaries. You’re teaching them to wait, to earn, to appreciate – all marvellous life assets!
And let’s be real – isn’t saying no a form of love? It’s steering them down the narrow path, guiding them with values, and nudging them toward responsible adulthood. We don’t have to be their friends; we’re their parents. The discipline they resist now will thank you later.
Conclusion: The Virtue of Restraint
So, to wrap up this rollercoaster ride of wisdom, if you’ve made it this far, God bless your heart. We’ve ventured into the past, dabbled in biblical truth, and sprinkled in some common sense and personal tales. As I’ve hinted all along, a bit of restraint on the generosity can go a long way in shaping your child’s future into a responsible, grateful, and God-fearing adult.
Next time you feel the urge to hand out conveniences like candy at a parade, take a breath, remember what built your own character, and ask yourself, “Is this really helping my child in the long run?” Chances are, a little tough love today will make for a lot of love and respect in the future.
Thank you for sticking with me till the end. Amen and God bless y’all!