Tip 10-

Carry your child’s burden only as much as you can bear.

“Bear (endure, carry) one another’s burdens and troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfill and observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah) and complete what is lacking [in your obedience to it].-Galatians 6:2

During this giving time of year, we parents tend to bear the burdens of others who are struggling and expect our own children to tow the line. A child may not understand that a friend is ill and you want to take her dinner instead of play Candy Land. Be patient. While you bear other’s burdens, bear your child’s. Explain. If your child has a meltdown because you are going to the adult Christmas party, bear those troublesome moral faults. Don’t reward them. Just carry them. Relieve them of the responsibility of acting like an adult, Don’t say, “You should understand.” Say instead, “I know you are sad. It is okay to be sad.”

“For every person will have to bear (be equal to understanding and calmly receive) his own [little] load [of oppressive faults].- Galatians 6:5

Children don’t learn to bear their own little load with us pointing out that they have one.  I am guilty of pointing fingers and shining the spot light on others faults. When I do that I am cheating myself and the child. Do give consequences for inappropriate behavior. Do not list faults.

“You never get your shoes on in time. We need to head out the door to Christmas caroling.“

“You should know…”

“It’s your fault….”

Children learn from observing everything parents say and do. If they see us being patient, they will eventually be patient. If they see us stepping in and helping when “it’s not my job” applies, they will too. Not only that, but they will take responsibility for their little faults.

We always want our children to be on their best behavior during the Christmas events. Sometimes it is just too much for them. Let us be ready to bear some of it for them.