Thoughts on GKGW Series: The Best Time for Parenting

The aim of parenting is to train the heart or conscience of the children.

Matthew 12: 34-35 says, "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him. The evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him."

We want to train our children to be :

a) God oriented;
"Love your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength and all your mind".

b) Others oriented;
" Love your neighbour as yourself".

Parenting will be done differently during the non conflict times and conflict times. The Ezzos taught us that the majority of parenting should be done in the non conflict times. Thus devotionals is of extreme importance to our children. This is the time when the heart and mind of both the parent and children are at peace. We are clear of what we want teach them and the children are receptive to what we teach.

During conflict times, much effort is spent on finding out what happens and after that administrating the proper steps/ punishments to correct the children's behaviour. Most of the time, the conflict will involve other adults and other children. Thus, it is also a time for managing and resolving the conflicts. Conflict times are nevertheless necessary because it is when our children's sins and weaknesses are exposed. There is definitely some heart-ache for the parents but it is an excellent opportunity to correct our children's heart.

Personally, I believe the best time for parenting is during the non conflict times. I will be sharing my thoughts on devotionals in the next few articles.