When Your Kids Teach You A Lesson in Humility…
Post by Brad Murray
Have you ever been completely embarrassed by your children’s behavior in public or in a setting with family or friends?
No? I’m convinced you are either lying or don’t yet have children.
Before I say more on this topic, our kids are very well behaved in public generally. We have received numerous compliments while at restaurants and other public venues, and for that I am very thankful. However, there are those rare times when everything falls apart.
Before we had children, I was that guy that scoffed at parents whose children were rebellious in public. I would find myself thinking, “my kids will NEVER act that way.” In general, I do not tolerate open rebellion from my kids, but I have learned that they sin just like their daddy, and it sometimes does not come out at the most opportune times.
Sometimes our kids embarrass us in other ways as well. They might innocently repeat something that was never intended for the outside world. They might fail to perform at a sport or performance as we know they are able. How we respond to all of these moments is HUGE for our kids, did you ever think of that?
We have a two kids who will remain unnamed that have struggled with serious separation anxiety issues over the summer. At seven years old, this is very embarrassing as a dad. It made us question, Why us? What are we doing wrong? What is wrong with him? There are many things to explore in finding solutions to this problem, but more importantly, they need to know I am FOR THEM no matter what.
Our kids our very perceptive of our attitudes towards them. I say I love them and I tell them how much they can trust me, but do my actions back that up? Do I get more angry at their disobedience in public or when it affects me? The answer is yes at times, and I want to see this change. The more they trust us and know they can count on us, the easier we make it for them to obey us.
It’s a lesson for us in humility and self-control, and a valuable teaching opportunity for their character.
Today is a new day, let us give our children every opportunity to please their Lord.
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
–Colossians 3:23
Great post, Brad!
My daughter suffers from severe separation anxiety (I’m that blogger who doesn’t travel without her family because of it). One thing that she has taught me is not to worry about the things that she will outgrow. She will be able to leave me with a smile someday, it’s just not today. So no worries, she’s just not ready. It’s hard to remember that when I’m getting “the looks” from the other people around us – who have theories of how it’s my fault and most think I actually want it that way, but that’s a story for another day – but it’s true. It’s just a matter of time passing. Hang in there, Dad!
Just want to say that I like your thoughts and transparency in this post, Brad I really admire your role as a Dad and think you are doing a fantastic job.
Wow what a post my son. You rarely embarrassed me in public but if you did I probably over reacted. As you know I am good at doing just that very thing. You are such an awesome dad (Jen is an awesome mom) and this makes me proud. Your ability to see your faults is unbelievable. But please remember for every mistake you are doing much good. Those four little guys are awesome and they love you and Jen so much. No wonder they don’t want to separate. I love you my son. You are more than than I ever could wish a son could be.