Do Not Stop Parenting Too Soon

“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them” (Deuteronomy 4:9).

Some years ago, my good friend gave birth to a gorgeous baby girl. My friend loved dressing her daughter up in pretty clothes and teaching her charming manners. The girl had ballet lessons, piano lessons and was denied nothing.

The family was active in church. The parents taught Sunday School, and their little girl was a member of the choir and youth group. She clearly understood who Jesus is, and had the opportunity to ask Him to be her Savior and Lord.

When this child became a teenager, her mother got a job so she could help her husband provide for their family. She was gone for 10 hours each weekday, until 5:00 p.m. The daughter got home from school at 2:00 p.m. A teenager now, this girl did not need childcare. Her parents assumed she occupied herself with homework and other school-related activities.

My busy friend loved her daughter so much that she did not see what was right in front of her nose. She was tired from working and stressed about finances. It was much easier to just believe that everything was fine.

One day, that mom found out things were not so fine. Her teenage daughter had become pregnant.

Who is to blame? Could it have been prevented? I don’t know. I think perhaps I would have done exactly the same things. I can’t say precisely why things went wrong, but they surely did.

Moms, be careful as your children grow older. Don’t stop parenting them too soon. Don’t leave them alone too often, or trouble may come. Find out what their habits are. Always face the truth. Proverbs 29:15 says, “A child left to himself disgraces his mother.” Take care that you teach your children well before something irreversible happens.

Kimberly Snider is a missionary to the Philippines.

From “Moments for Moms,” a free email subscription.
Copyright (c) 2005 Women’s Ministries of the Assemblies of God.
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Maxim of the Moment

You have to be careful about being too careful. - Beryl Pfizer