Talk Through The “why” Together

One of the most difficult things for me as a parent is wanting my kids to understand why I want them to do certain things.  Obviously, we have been alive longer than them and we know way more than they do in just about every area.  (I do realize that now our younger ones can operate a DVR better than us at this point.)  Why won’t they just simply reply, “Yes Daddy” and be so grateful we have directed them in the way they should go?  My parention is to tell them to just obey without question, but that rarely works once they get into the pre-teen/teenage years.  Their minds are racing, and they are beginning to formulate their own reasons why they should or shouldn’t do things.  It’s no longer okay just because my parents said so. Instead of fighting against these moments of stubbornness, take the time to walk through the “why” when you give them something to do that seems “stupid” in their eyes.  Help them openly discuss what their objections might be in that moment.  You may discover together it really is selfishness, but there may be a time or two when you both learn something about each other and how God has uniquely wired them for certain things.  In the end, our kids need to respect your authority, but we must also guide them according to God’s plans, not ours, for their lives.

John 13:7