Here is a question that parents seem to have difficulties answering: “How do you teach children to be good individuals when they grow up?” This question embodies the morals, the conduct, and the values that a parent must instill to his/her children for them to become not only a law-abiding citizen but as well as a morally-upright person.
Since I’m just counting days to become a full-pledged parent as well, I can’t help but ask this question too. Yes, it’s actually nagging me for days now. Will I be a good mother? A good example? Will I be able to teach my little boy what he should know? Will he follow my teachings? Will he listen to my advice? Will he become a God-fearing man that I want him to be? How can I do all these things?
Some says that the best way to teach kids is through setting a good example (living in a “monkey-see-monkey-do” world requires this). But we might as well realize that we are imperfect (most of us have flaws); thus, we have to strive harder to teach our kids the lessons that we’ve learned in the past, to let them know the consequences of our actions and what could have been the result if we otherwise have been good individuals instead.
I know however that for one to be effective in teaching, one must do a lot of showing instead of a lot of talking. That’s one of my problems then. I’m a talker, a planner, a thinker. But I seldom do my plans. However, I’m just glad that I am a woman of my words; when I say it, I do it. I guess I can do this…
I do know though that teaching and living through example isn’t a guarantee that my little boy will grow up to be a better person. Sooner or later, Little Nicholas will be exposed to this world, this lowly and dirty world. He’ll see the truth in his eyes, he’ll meet people who’ll tempt him to do something he doesn’t want to do. And I’m afraid. Afraid he might separate from my teachings, might go all the way following what he wanted, what the world wanted from him.
Then I realized why am I so afraid? What is there to fear? I have God beside me. He will not forsake my little angel. I’ll just have to lean on Him, to rely on what He can and will do for my Little Nicholas. I know I should do what is right and God will do the rest. I’ll have to make sure that Little Nicholas’ life is centered on God and honoring His name. Isn’t that the secret to a wonderful life?
