Because I Said So?
I never wanted to be the Mom that said, "Because I said so – that's why!" And I generally I am not. I find myself trying to talk and explain or at least discuss my decisions to my kids. Sometimes it's not the best because then they always are waiting for an explanation. But I just think that having communication with them about issues is the best. They know in the end that I want what's best for them and that I do have the authority to make the decisions.
The hard part comes when they just don't understand the reason. They hear it, but they don't agree or they don't understand. I was sitting here tonight thinking that each one of my 5 kids came to me tonight with something and they didn't like what I said in reply or didn't understand why.
It reminded me of back when I was homeschooling when the older kids were little. I read a book about teaching and the author said that sometimes we teach our kids things they won't understand now, but the ideas serve as hooks for more knowledge and understanding later. This means that when they are older, they can refer back to what they had learned before and say, "Aha! NOW that makes sense!"
With one of the kids in particular, I'm really praying that I will hear those words. In the meantime, sometimes being Mom is hard. I can totally see why some women want to just be their kids' best friends instead of the authority. But I am trusting the Lord that giving boundaries and having discipline is the way that shows real love.
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Just was talking to my students about the teaching implications of Proverbs 28:23, "He who rebukes a man will find more favor AFTERWARD than he who flatters with the tongue."
It's one of my courage verses–to know that down the road the exhortation might bear fruit– as that is my least favorite part of my work.
Thanks so much for sharing that verse Susie. I needed to hear it! Such an encouragement.
Great post Sher! It can be tough being a kid and understanding why your parent has a rule, but it is so true, we learn later that they always had our best interest at heart! I know there was times when my mom would frustrate me or my brothers but she always was thinking and seeing things way ahead of what we saw, and she did a great job molding us into the men we are today!
Keep up the work and God Bless!!