I am a mother. That is first. Being a mother means my primary goal within that job is to produce a productive, loving, grace-filled citizen in this world but not of this world. It is my job to teach her that everything beyond food, hydration, sleep, and love is a desire and not a need, and therefore is a privilege and not a right. It is my duty to instruct on her how to behave towards other people and herself. To school her in the lost art of respect. To help her to cultivate her patience, mercy, empathy, and integrity. I am not her friend. Not now. Not for many years. A friend is too worried about whether or not she would like me after a life lesson. I am not burdened by that concern. I dont care if she likes me, because I love her. I love her too much to be bogged down with concern over pettiness- if I punish her for this behavior will she be mad? Will it hurt her feelings? Will she stop loving me? Yes, she will be mad. Yes, most likely, it will hurt her tender heart that knows no true pain. But, no, she will not stop loving me. In fact- our cultivation of greatness in our children, when done in a loving way, will only teach them to love us, themselves, and their fellow man more. Dont forego discipline out of fear or sloth. It is the greatest disservice you can do to your child.
Posted on: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 16:16:17 +0000