The Power of Being a Positive Parent

With all the various changes that occur from the time a child is born until they become totally independent, there are few things which remain constant throughout their lives such as “a positive parent.” Parenting is one of the hardest occupations let alone being a “positive parent” due to the fact that once a child becomes a teenager there are so many variables that make it difficult to remain positive. Though parenting may be considered the hardest occupation, however, there is nothing that is more rewarding than watching your children to grow from an infant into an adult, for it is stated in, Luke 2:52, 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor. (NRSV)

First of all, what does it mean to be a parent? A parent (noun) is either a mother or father, whom is responsible for being a provider, protector, and also the defender of a child from the time they are an infant is until they are 18 years of age although as a “positive parent” you always consider yourself as a parent. “To parent (verb),” means to physically raise, to emotionally nurture, and also to spiritually nourish either a son or daughter from the time they are first-born through to the time they become an adult. The Hebrew word used for a parent is “horim,” which is derived from the same root word as “moreh,” which means to be a teacher. Therefore, when you are considered to be a “positive parent” you also are considered to be the most important teacher your child will ever have during their lifetime. When you combine all of the definitions it shows us that it is of the greatest importance that an individual must be a “positive parent” and also a “thorough teacher,” because anyone can have a child unless they are medically unable to do so, but not everyone can be considered to be a “positive parent.”

By answering the following questions will determine whether or not you are being either biblically accountable as a parent or not, which will help you to become a “positive parent” if you were not taught how to be a positive parent when you were growing up from your parent’s. The first question that you must ask yourself is, “Do you regard your child or children as a blessing from God?” It is written in, Ps 127:3, 3 Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. (NRSV) “Do both you and your spouse approach parenting with similar goals and actions in a unified manner?,” as it is written in, Amos 3:3, 3 Do two walk together unless they have made an appointment? (NRSV) “Do you take every opportunity that you were given the chance to teach your teenager biblical truths?” As it is written in, Deut 6:6-7, 6 Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. 7 Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. (NRSV) “Do you clearly instruct your teenager what is considered to be ethically just and right?” As it is written in, Eph 6:4, 4 And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (NRSV) “Do you provide for your teenager or teenager’s material needs?” For it is written in the Bible in, 2 Cor 12:14, 14 Here I am, ready to come to you this third time. And I will not be a burden, because I do not want what is yours but you; for children ought not to lay up for their parents, but parents for their children. (NRSV) “Do you make the effort to effectively discipline your teenager or teenager’s, so that they know right from wrong?” For it is written in the Bible in, Prov 29:17, 17 Discipline your children, and they will give you rest; they will give delight to your heart. (NRSV)

“My teenager is continuously being disrespectful and getting into trouble. Since, my teenager insists on defying me, therefore, would it be wise if I decided to stop continuing to try and teach my teenager to the difference between right and wrong?” Regardless, if your teenager continues to be disrespectful towards either parent the answer is a resounding “no,” or if your teenager continues to make the wrong choices, as a parent, it is your responsibility to keep the lines of communication open between your teenager and yourself, so that you will still be able to teach them what is right. Although, you are not biblically accountable for your teenagers wrong choices, but as a parent you are biblically accountable for your individual right parenting. If you are not the one whom is teaching your teenager, then “who will be the one teaching your mom teenager?