LIVING THROUGH CHILDRENLIVING THROUGH YOUR CHILDREN MAY HARM THEM We feel sorry for children whose parents force them into sports or other activities because the parents want the glory. These parents are insensitive to their children’s feelings and push them to participate in activities the children have no interest in. These children often feel embarrassed and humiliated by their parents. These children are not allowed to follow their own curiosity and develop their own interests. They are expected to fulfill their parent’s lives through their activities. It is easier to look down on these parents than it is to see the ways in which we, too, live through our children. We want them to be well-behaved in public so we look good. Whenever we are together with other families, in church, at a restaurant, or an amusement park, we worry about what other adults think of our children, and ultimately of us. We want our children to make a good impression so we can be proud of them. We’re learning to be conscientious, responsible parents without living through our children. We are teaching them how to act in public. While we are legally and morally responsible for their behavior, they are not responsible for our self-worth. We accept our responsibility to train them in appropriate social conduct. We are learning to depend on God, not our children’s behavior, for our sense of self-worth.I enjoy my children more when I live my own life.Listen to this meditation now. Click here to listen to this meditation. This excerpt is from Daily Meditations for Parenting Our Kids by Thomas Wright. Click below for more information. Back To Meditations
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