Do you ever wonder as a Christian parent if you are doing a good job parenting? There are many ways society, or the world, try to "help" you gage your success. Have you done a good job when your child becomes an adult and is successful? Did you do everything right because they can say the books of the Bible in order?
The other night my husband and I have been taking different approaches to disciplining our very strong-willed child. In the mist of disciplining we also started implementing a new bedtime routine in hopes of getting her to bed earlier. While sitting on the couch trying to get our daughter to calm down she stated, "I don't love you anymore." Now this comment came because I had just disciplined her for her bad behavior.
When I sent my mom a text telling her what my daughter said she said, "well then you are being a good parent." I knew that my daughter was just upset because I'm trying to teach her right from wrong. However, there was still a little sting from her hurtful words.
But my mother was right, shh don't tell her! HAHA. When my child doesn't like me correcting her misbehavior and tells me she doesn't like me or doesn't love me...I cannot take offense. She is saying these things 1. out of anger, 2. because she knows she's in the wrong, and 3. because she wants the control/power.
Being a parent doesn't mean you are your child's favorite person. Many of you reading this might be a parent of a pre-teen or teenager and can testify to this. I know growing up my mom was not my favorite person. Now as an adult, I can say I am grateful for that. I am grateful that my mom set boundaries for me, taught me right from wrong, and disciplined me.
Can you as a Christian see this parallel between your relationship with God and parenting? God is our parent, hard to think of Him in that sense. He guides us, molds us, teaches us, and instructs us on how to live. He even disciplines us when we are wrong (this might come in different forms for everyone). And when we don't like what God says to do, we sometimes get angry, argue, and even lash at at Him. He has made many sacrifices to show us how much He loves us.
So parents, when your child says that they don't like you or love you anymore, don't hang you head down low. Take your right arm and give yourself a pant on the back. (Of course, it might be wise to not do that in front of your child...depending on their age.) You are being a good parent (not their best friend)...one that God is calling you to be! Stand tall!!!
