Just wait until your kids....

1) become teenagers
2) start to lie and hide things
3) won't let you get away with you choosing their (bargain$) Halloween costumes
4) will only wear expensive clothes
5) start asking for every toy they see on t.v.
6) hang out with someone you don't approve of
7) worse, date someone you don't approve of
8) protest going to church
9) are all in school (you think you're busy now)
10) all other gloom and doom things that are BOUND to happen.
If I had a dollar for every time every one of these comments I've received lately, I'd be a wealthy woman. Oh, you just wait! I guess that is one approach. Sitting idly by and waiting for the terrible days ahead, dreading each intolerable hour that is on its way, lives spinning out of control. Whew. What a ride that will be. I think I can....wait.

On the other hand, I suppose there are options. We could spend time cultivating relationships with them so they are comfortable talking to us. Maybe help them learn reasonable limits. Inspire their respect with our conduct. Work to keep our heartstrings connected. Be willing to sacrifice some of our own personal desires. Humbly admit errors and apologize. If they pull away, we can pursue. If necessary, feign interest in their interests and have them teach us what they know. Their dad can treat his wife and daughters with love, demonstrating to his girls what to look for in a mate. Their mom can expect chivalry from her boys, instilling appropriate respect for ladies. There is a chance we will utilize a system of work and compensation to help them learn the value of money. We might say no when they want to hear yes. They could get angry at us. We could hold the line and talk things over. Maybe we will observe each of them and learn what speaks love to each child then take the time to show that love.
This is not new, when the kids were younger, it used to be, just wait....when you have babies/toddlers you won't be able to nap, exercise, cook meals, read, spend time with your spouse, get out of the grocery store without goodies for them, have small Christmas and birthday celebrations, get them to eat vegetables....Yes, you can. You absolutely can. Things may not always go as planned, but with time, repetitive teaching and consistency, you can. I know it. I know it with certainty.
This will not be easy. It is not for the lazy or selfish. It will drive us to our knees in prayer when we just don't know what to do. But God will guide. He will help us. We do not have to conform to the low, low standards of our society. We can expect more from ourselves and our children and we can rise to the challenge of parenting to the very best of our ability, no matter what. We can do what is best for our larger family as a whole, rather than running ourselves ragged. We can talk, and talk, and talk and ask them question after question. We can watch and listen. Let them know we care enough to do what is required. Things will not always go the way we want, but shall we just sit back and wait? Throw our hands up in the air? I think not. It's at least worth a valiant attempt. I see many, many families raising children that don't go astray. Teens and parents with good relationships. Not spoiled, with hearts of service toward others. It is possible. Those are the people I will cling to and keep asking, how do you do it?
Afterall, how many of us really like to.....wait?

For the Lord God will help me; Therefore I will not be disgraced; Therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed. Isaiah 50:7