Parenting Is Not Playing The Slots!
“Some people treat life like a slot machine,
trying to put in as little as possible and hoping to hit a jackpot.
Wiser people think of life as a solid investment from which
they receive in terms of what they put in.”
Roger Hull, Reader’s Digest
The solid investment I made in my children helped them grow into the responsible adults they are today. Believe me, it was no accident! I intentionally invested character at every age. Teaching them to serve others as we helped build a home for a single mother and her children. Surprising a grieving friend during the holidays with a decorated Christmas tree. Not that it has to be monumental, my husband always had our sons put shopping carts away for people in the parking lot and pick up trash at the park.
We taught them how to be good communicators by asking open-ended questions when we had guests at our house. How to resolve conflict with their siblings and others. To do chores with a spirit of excellence.
And we have seen the pay-off! We enjoyed harmony and peace in our home as the children worked out their own issues. They were compassionate to their friends and respectful to authority. They asked questions to the neighbors who helped with carpooling. They were leaders in their schools and workplace. As adults, they made a difference as they began serving in their community, churches and country. And they are now raising our grandchildren with the same values.
I know you are a busy parent. I know the cost of a home and that it takes two incomes to make it all work. I know it takes courage to invest when you could be indulging yourself. I know it requires sacrifice. But I also know you do not want to gamble with your child's future and have them morally bankrupt. Think, what kind of adult would you like to raise? And make a small deposit in their character bank today.
