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The Power of Unconditional Love June 29,2006 |
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Expressing unconditional love empowers parents to
raise kids to be confident adults. By accepting each child’s unique nature,
we lay a foundation for good self-esteem. Too often we unintentionally
inflict damage on a young one’s ego by confusing actions with personhood—a
child might hear criticism as “I’m bad” rather than “my behavior was wrong.”
Children desperately need parental guidance and discipline, but these must
be wrapped in actions and language that convey love. The alternative—correcting a child with the aim of making him or her the adult Mom or Dad desires instead of the person God intends—promotes a rebellious spirit. Think of the popular child-rearing axiom “Pick your battles” more in these terms: “Pick the battles that affect the child’s soul.” Passing fads and weird clothing or hair choices are not worthy battles, but issues related to honesty, integrity, and obedience call for a parent’s guidance. The result of unconditional love and its byproducts—self-esteem and obedience—is that children develop good relationships. They will be prepared to accept others with the same attitude their parents showed them. This is critical because a wounded child will one day struggle to express wholehearted love to a marriage partner or to receive it in return. |