Becoming a parent is more than a responsibility - a legacy of character and attitude that will influence the future of children. A path that parents should choose decisively for it is in their capability to drive their children - for better or for worse.
The climax is on the establishment of a relationship bank account. Children gain the interests of deposits that their parents put in their relationship bank account. As parents withdraw, the interest declines. Does a child deserve a 10% love interest from the 100% that he should get?
The world is filled with things and much of it, are far from the understanding of children that decoys in attracting them to move farther from parents' expectations. The environment offers everything that would make things possible, and children are always ready to explore and experience beyond their limits. Thus, when something noble is founded in the relationship between parents and children, trust is built and respect is gained making everyone in the family circle comfortable.
Though there may be no perfect relationships, there will always be ways in which to start with. Two guiding principles are easily remembered and would be more than enough if its purpose is recognized and valued for a legacy worth living.
Acknowledge that children are gifts from above
Parents do not own their children, and are best described as “caretakers” of precious gifts. However, as caretakers, discipline would always pitch in that will mold the character and attitude of a child thereby, producing a relationship which equals the care and discipline that were formerly given. An extra “care” is always better because children are very good imitators. They become of what they see and of what is molded in them.
Acknowledge that children exist for a purpose
The existence of humans and things on planet earth are for reasons and purposes that God had chosen. Thus, children exist because God had a purpose for them - to do His will and not to do parents' will.
In most cases, parents rear their children according to standards that sometimes create a wall of bitterness. An enmity that will be carried all throughout which causes children to rebel, and opt to sample what the environment offers.
Knowing their purpose of existence is of course too broad to understand unless, God Himself make it known face to face with parents. Knowing where children's interests are could be a good starting point. From there, parents stand as guides and counselors so that children's interests would be developed for the better. As they go on, they learn on new things that would make them better individuals that influence others.
Parents do have dreams for their children - the best that they could think of. However, when it comes to child rearing, every “step” is crucial because every footprint leaves a mark which children see and will surely keep track of it.
