Guidelines For Parenting (2)

Some years ago, sociologists and child psychologists made an interesting discovery. Experts assumed that putting fences around playgrounds made children feel restricted in their recreation. And based on that theory it was decided to remove the fences so children wouldn’t feel confined. To their astonishment, the opposite effect occurred. Researchers found that children became more inhibited in their activities. They tended to huddle towards the middle of the playground and exhibited signs of insecurity. Interestingly, when the fences were replaced, the children once more played with great enthusiasm and freedom.

What’s the lesson here? We all need boundaries—something to define the limits of safety and security. Whereas the ‘experts’ theorised that boundaries restrict creativity, children on the playground proved that we need a clear understanding of what’s safe and acceptable in order for ingenuity and inventiveness to flourish. That means your children will flourish and you’ll function better as a parent when guidelines are clearly communicated, and the consequences for not following them are completely understood.

There’s a humorous story of a father who bought his teenage son his first phone. Before handing it to him, he said, ‘This is a magic phone, Son.’

‘Really?’ the boy replied.

‘Yeah,’ answered his dad. ‘One show of disrespect to your mum—and it will disappear!’

And if you buy a phone for your child, it should be a ‘magic’ phone too.

Bottom line: God sets the rules for success in life, and He rewards those who honour them. In the words of Scripture: ‘Study this Book of Instruction continually… obey everything written in it… then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.’ (Joshua 1:8 NLT)