Why Have Children? Dincs, This Is For You!
|
|
First there were Yuppies (Young Urban Professionals). Then came the Boomers, the Busters, the Boomlets, and Generation X. Now we have the DINCs, which stands for Double Income, No Children. I'm not talking about those who are unable to have children or who postpone having children until their financial crisis or mega-time-commitment to career has stabilized. I'm referring to those who are determined not to have children. Ever. Period. If this is your situation, please consider what follows.
Those of us who have crossed the Rubicon into parenthood know all about the liabilities involved--expenses, additional stress, unasked-for criticism, awakening to cries at 3 A.M. We also know its joys--a baby's smiles, that first step, the first words, clapping for the little league big play, giving away the bride to a worthy man. And, well, yes, we know about the challenges it presents us--having to be more responsible and less impulsive, coming home on time, planning ahead, having to set a good example, having your inconsistencies and little hypocrisies exposed.
It is in this last area--parenthood's challenges--that its greatest blessings lie. Children force us to become less self-centered, to think of another person's interests ahead of our own. It is true that God will also be teaching DINCs to become unselfish, but the learning process will probably be more drawn-out and difficult for them. What I'm saying is that children can be the chisel God uses to sculpt us into the image of Jesus Christ. Those loving relationships you form with your children can pull you through any trials.
The Bible is quite clear about the value of children: "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate" (Ps. 127:3-5 NIV). Of course, what is true of fathers and their sons is also true of mothers and their daughters.
All of this, and we haven't even mentioned relieving the emptiness felt by all of us PODWOGs (Parents of DINCs Without Grandchildren)! Think about it!
Copyright © 2005 Steve Singleton, All rights reserved.
Steve Singleton has written and edited several books and numerous articles on subjects of interest to Bible students. He has taught Greek, Bible, and religious studies courses Bible college, university, and adult education programs. He has taught seminars and workshops in 11 states and the Caribbean.
Go to his DeeperStudy.com for Bible study resources, no matter what your level of expertise. Explore "The Shallows," plumb "The Depths," or use the well-organized "Study Links" for original sources in English translation. Sign up for Steve's free "DeeperStudy Newsletter."
|
|
|
Whos Your Daddy? How To Be A Great Dad In 5 To 7 Minutes
I am a dad. I have been now for over 8 years. And I suppose I don't know just everything there is to know about being a dad, good bad or otherwise.I have learned a couple of things though.My wife, Susan and I had been married for about 6 years before my daughter, my oldest child Andrea was born. I cut the umbilical cord and almost immediately began to wonder how I was going to teach her. How could I lead her. How was I going to b...(related: Parenting)
Discipline
Discipline is a necessary part of parenting yet it makes most parents feel uncomfortable. Some of those old disciplinary phrases such as 'spare the rod and spoil the child', 'teach them a lesson' or 'set children straight' are enough to send shivers up the spine of any reasonable-minded parent.Discipline for the majority of the twentieth century was adult-centred and relied heavily on punishment as a way o...(related: Parenting)
Camp Injuries- 7 Things You Must Know
WHEN AN INJURY HAPPENS AT CAMP, HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:The call you never want to hear is made to your home?"Your son was injured in the dining room?he fell through a window?""Your daughter was burned with hot coffee in the dining area?""Your child...(related: Parenting)
One Definition Of Success
As parents, we want our children and teens to grow up and "be successful." But what "being successful" means depends on our definition of "success" in the first place. Obviously "success" means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. Our definition of success has become "The Progressive Realization of Moral, Virtuous, or Godly Goals."
<...(related: Parenting)How To Teach Your Children Social Skills
As our children grow, they will be going to schools and interacting with lots of different people other. For example, friends and teachers. Hence it is necessary to teach t...(related: Parenting)
Homes For Troubled Teens: Therapeutic And Residential
For troubled teens who are struggling with drug abuse, depression or other serious issues, residential treatment centers that offer therapy-based solutions might be the best option. Residential treatment centers usually have a complete psychiatric staff available to monitor each troubled teen closely and provide therapy in addition to a curriculum of academics, exercise and personal development. Programs, which provide 24-hour supervision, structure and treatment, usually last from three ...(related: Parenting)
The Secret Of Understanding Children
It was a day that I will forever be etched into my being. My husband was out of town visiting his mother and I was parenting my two extraordinary children solo. After three days of embracing high drama, soothing explosive emotions, and relaxing righteous indignation, I was exhausted.Feeling both physically and emotionally drained I put my children to bed and sat down to meditate and pray. As I melted into the silence I was surrounded by a blissful connection to the creator. I felt my life force reignite and my energy restored. In my mind I asked God what I needed to learn to parent my children. The guidance that followed was surely a messag...(related: Parenting)
Putting Your Child To Bed
Are you glad for the chance to put your child to bed? Is this a great time for you and your kids or is it serious business? Is it a time in your day you look forward to, ...(related: Parenting)
Fun Things To Do With Your Kids This Summer
10 Fun Things You Can Do With Your Children this Summer that Won't Break the BankFor a family with small children like my own, a big family vacation in the summer isn't always an option. But just because your summer entertainment budget is small doesn't mean you and your kids can't have lots of fun this summer.Here are ten ideas to get you started on lots of fun this summer ? on a budget.1) Water + Kids = Lots of FunPut everyone in bathing suits and turn on the sprinklers. Fill the plastic pool that's been lying around the garage all year. Get some inexpensive...(related: Parenting)
Teaching Your Children About The Value Of Money
We take it for granted that children know how money gets into our wallets. The tips below will guide you through teaching your children the value of money.Now I'm not referring to the value ...(related: Parenting)
How To Put Your Kids (or Grandkids) On The Fast Track To Success
Working with adults (as well as children and teens) for the past 12 years I have noticed that there are just a few primary struggles that most adults face. I also see how better training as a child and teen could have given them the skills and attitudes that would have prevented the problems that they now face.The primary areas adults struggle with are1. Money, primarily debt2. Lack of disciple, or the inability to do what they want to do, be it weight, money, work etc.3. RelationshipsAs I see it, much of the way we live our lives is groomed as we grow up. And while...(related: Parenting)
site-map - Copyright © 2006 | Contact Webmaster | Baby Care Info | All Rights Reserved. | Parenting