Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Prov. 22:6.)
Once upon a time, there was a woman. She was married for several years but without a child.
Family and friends mocked, despised and humiliated her. It was really the toughest period of her life.
However, she was always praying and hoping that she would receive her heart’s desire to be a mother.
Eventually, after a long wait, she became a mother of a bouncing baby boy.
This woman vowed to use all in her power to take care of the son. Thus, she never allowed him to lack anything.
The boy, aware of his mother’s decision, always used it to his advantage.
When asked why she could not caution her son as regards his behaviour and his excessive demands. She always defended him that he was just a child. And that she suffered a lot before giving birth to him.
Many years after, the boy grew into an entitled, self-centred man and also a notorious thief. He became the problem of the whole community.
The authorities arrested him, prosecuted and sentenced him to death by hanging.
However, before his death, he requested to talk to his mum. They called the mum as requested and what the boy did leave many in utter disbelief.
This son apparently bit off the mother’s ear because he blamed her for his predicaments.
He claimed his mum never stopped or corrected him while growing up.
In other words, he believed his mum failed to show him the right way, hence the manner his life ended.
We should learn from the above story that, an untrained child today will destroy the parents in the future.
The woman believed she was protecting her child by not correcting him for bad behaviours.
Most of the issues in our society today are a result of numerous untrained children. Many parents think by giving their children all they asked is proof of their love for them. But they failed to realise that correction done the right way is a show of love.
Also, many parents focus attention on their children’s grades and extracurricular activities, such as by making sure they study, do their homework, and get to do other extracurricular activities.
But, they forget to put time and effort into nurturing the child to be a good person.
How do I train up a child?
I guess you are asking, how then do I train up a child? Here are a few tips that would help.
- Nurture empathy in your child.
- Offer rewards sparingly.
- Teach them good manners.
- Treat them with kindness and respect
- Encourage them to lift up others.
- Teach them to volunteer.
- Discipline your child consistently.
- Teach them to be thankful.
- Give them responsibilities.
- Be a good model.
In conclusion, we all have a responsibility as parents, teachers and the society to teach our children what matters to God.
It does not mean forcing them into a certain set of beliefs rather, it means focusing on loving God and loving others.
Train up a child in the way he should go is a warning to those who allow their children to grow up without guidance.
Children left to their own way are not likely to change; they’ll become adults who go the wrong way.
Thanks for reading.
ASSETS