Children of all ages demand different things from their parents. These are their providers, their role models and the first people they can trust. However being a parent is challenging and can be traumatizing at times. Below are seven spiritual virtues that every parent must possess in order to support their kids at any age.
1. Love
Love is the first and foremost bond that must exist between parent and child. Without love nothing else matters even if it is done in good faith. The love between parent and child cannot be from a distance. It has to be shown, mentioned and proven for it to have value. Children need to know that they are loved. They do not need to figure this out for themselves, it has to be shown and demonstrated continuously for them to believe that it exists.
2. Reassurance
Children need to know that their parents would be there regardless of any circumstance. They prefer to receive a rebuke than no communication at all. Children do not need to figure out what the parent is thinking, it is the parent’s duty to figure out what their child is up to. Children need encouragement for their dreams and their endeavors. They need to be appreciated and their presence felt for them to gain confidence.
3. Discipline
All children need discipline regardless of who they are. Love without discipline reaps no benefits. Discipline for children is guidance and if implemented correctly is beneficial to the relationship between parent and child.
4. Direction
Parents are the first role models for their children and so must possess the right attributes to set the right examples for the child to follow. They must be honest with themselves and their children. Honesty in this relationship strengthens the bond between parent and child. It also makes the child believe that their parent can be a friend as well as a parent and provider.
5. Patience
Parents must possess this quality in abundance to support their children. Children are a life time project and every parent must know that they have signed up to this when they have a child. Patience is strengthened when love exists and vice versa.
6. Friendship
Parents must also be the first friends of their children. It is easier for a child to confide in a friend than a parent. Parents must be able to multitask and wear different hats at different times to ensure that the child is getting what it needs.
7. Faith
Even with the best of relationships between parent and child faith in God makes all the difference. Children need to learn about God and his might. This is the ultimate bargaining weapon in this relationship. God can offer what no parent can. He is the watch night when a child is at cross roads in life. He is the watch night when a child cannot come to their parents for answers. He is wisdom behind tribulation and hurt. He is the answer for both parent and child when nothing else can bridge this relationship.
