Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Parenting Towards Partnership (Part 1)


Parenting shifts into different seasons as the kids grow up. It’s amazing how things change, and in just a short time. You may remember the diapers or the getting-into-everything times, or how about driving to all the activities that you could get your child into? You may still be living those times. If you are, cherish those times and invest time into your kids. It will pay off when they get older.


 


Harry Chapin wrote a song called “Cats in the Cradle” that talks about a relationship between a dad and his son.  The song reveals the relationship from the cradle to being grown. There is one part in the last verse that hits hard on the way we raise our children. It goes:  And as he hung up the phone it occurred to me, He'd grown up just like me, my boy, was just like me.


 


That song was an indictment on a father that didn’t spend time with his boy while he was growing up. The choice is ours: to invest or not, into the most precious resource we are entrusted with. Do you want that child to grow up just like you?


 


What about when they become teenagers?  Do you want that time to pass fast because you don’t know how to relate?


 


I’m convinced that it is never too late to spend time with your kids no matter their age.  It’s all about relationship.


 



I’ll write next time about what I’m finding the rewards to be in parenting toward partnership.

dirk

 

Dirk

7 comments:

  1. "What about when they become teenagers? Do you want that time to pass fast because you don’t know how to relate?"

    The answer for me is yes and no.

    I am not scared of the relating. I can meet them where they are. But at times when I see what is going on in the world and how it is effecting our children. I wish that they were mature adults, able to make the right decisions.

    Regarding Harry Chapin....I love his music. My favorite song of his is ..... Yes, We have no Bananas! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. LOVE Harry Chapin. Great song! :)

    Great post. And your kids have turned out to be AMAZING adults. Thanks to you and Mama Meadows. Looking forward to the follow-up post(s).

    Love you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. What about the they-think-they-know-better-than-you stage. Remember that? Ha ha! Thanks for continuing to invest in our relationship even when I didn't want you to!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I want them to stay my little ones forever. Really I do. I love spending time with them and hearing their ideas and thoughts. Even if the fascination is drawing poop coming out of animal behinds. Which it is today. I hope they still like to talk to me when they are teenagers. I love them so much.

    ReplyDelete
  5. My dad always hated this song. I understand why now. It's got some hard truth in it. I feel so blessed to be able to tap into the wisdom of you and robin who are doing all of this parenting stuff before me. Thanks for what you share here.

    ReplyDelete
  6. It seems to me just when I begin to relax and get the hang of a particular stage they have transitioned into the next stage. Whew!! Parenting is hard work.

    Thanks for being raw and real. The two of you are rare. You don't put on the fake face that everything is perfect. I think that is such a huge ministry in itself! Thanks for all the wisdow!

    ReplyDelete
  7. OMG - my girls say 'that's how mom does it' -

    I am honored to be the way me - I had great parents & 2 moms.
    When we invest in our children, we both win!!
    Thanks for sharing...

    ReplyDelete

Leave a comment!