Choosing to be a Parent

Being a parent is one of the hardest jobs/responsibilities any person could ever have; but God willing, it is also one of the most rewarding.  Some people choose to become a parent, for others it is not planned. But whether you became a parent by choice or it was unplanned, at some point you have to make the choice to either be your children's friend or their parent.

Choosing to be a friend to your children is easy, you don't have to tell them "no", you don't have to teach them responsibilities and you don't have to punish them when they make the wrong choice by lying, stealing, etc.  You can re-live your childhood (or the one you wanted to have) through them.  You can let them dress the way you wish your parents would have let you dress; you can be the popular parent and be the place where your children's friends want to hang out because you let them drink, smoke, do drugs or any thing else they want to do; and you can leave them to their own devices so you can go to the casino, bar, a date or where ever you want.  The problem is that your child will like you, but they most likely will not respect you AND they will not learn the values that will take them far in life.

Choosing to be a parent to your children is hard; you have to tell them "no", set rules and guidelines and follow through with consequences for wrong decisions.  You have to sacrifice doing some of the things you want to do in order to be home when they have friends over, you have to sacrifice a nap in order to take them to the mall and STAY with them.  You have to be their friend on Facebook and watch their posts, comments, etc.  Today's culture is so technologically advanced that you, as a parent, have to monitor everything. 

Trying to teach your child responsibilities, morals, modesty, appropriate body language, etc. requires your full time viligance.  It's hard to tell your children "no" and even harder when you have to punish them for not following your rules.  They are going to say they hate you, and at the time, they probably do; however, as they grow older they will (hopefully) appreciate the lessons you've taught them along the way and will become the responsible adult they were meant to me.

So, it's your choice - are you going to be a parent or a friend to your children?  We chose to be parents and hope you do too!