
As a parent you won’t always be popular for making decisions that please your children. That is not your place. Loving your children will mean you make decisions for them and with them. You are a guide and coach. As your children grow up there will be times when you should ask them what do they think they should do. Then there will be times when the decision is yours alone. You may have to go against all the other voices that are coming at you because you know what is best for your child.
When you see a gift or a talent in your child, do what you can to encourage their development in that particular area. It may not be something you would choose but it maybe in their destiny to be great at it. For example, you may love opera music and your child may want to play the guitar. You may prefer rugby but your child may like football. Let them do what they show interest in, give them lessons, take them to practice, and be the encourager that they need. When our children were young we gave them all music lessons. One of our daughters couldn't go past a piano without playing. She had desire and a God given talent. She loved playing and she flowed in the gift. The other daughter didn't enjoy it. Eventually the piano teacher said, ‘you might as well burn the money you are paying me for all the good it is doing’. This was not a problem to us, as we knew there would be something she would enjoy and flow in.
However, there are times when persistence is paramount. This is the moment you step in and be the guide. Some things in life are not always enjoyable but simply take work. Their schooling is one. There is always going to be homework and assignments to complete. If they want something like this young man did, then you may have to step in and be the one that says, ‘no, you may not go’. There are times when your children need you to be the one they can blame so they can keep face with their peers. Don't be afraid to say no and direct the paths of your children. They are looking for it and eventually they will be grateful!
(image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net)