#7

Remember freedom within limits! The problem I see most often, parents try to keep their children from making the same mistakes they did. In doing so we over protect, and we do not allow our children to make choices or mistakes. After all, we do know what is best for them! When we over protect, we are not helping them, we are hurting them. Children must learn self-control and consequences for their actions. (Tip) When we allow our children to make mistakes (within limits), they will be more apt to ask for advice! Mistakes have consequences; think about it, that is how we learned. The more it hurts, the more we learn.

On a personal note, when I would ask my boy child to do something, he would ask me how I wanted it done. I would tell him I didn’t care how he got it done. This allowed him to make choices and decisions. It was a proud moment for me when he was 16 and I asked him to do something. He knew I didn’t care how, but he asked ME how I would do it.

Remember, freedom within limits helps children grow up into mature adults.

John 8:31-32