Principle # 16

The parent who

truly has a good

self-image understands

that real love demands

they do what is best

for the child.

This morning I heard a fascinating conversation between a father and a talk-show host. The father said his two little boys had been put on probation, because they had been late to school nine times in last sixty days.

A family council was called and they all (including Dad) accepted full responsibility for their parts in the scenario. The parents explained that each morning at exactly 7:30 they would leave the house for school. If the kids were not ready they would gather everything they were going to wear and head for the car. When they arrived at the school they would exit the car and walk into the school, whether they had their shoes on or not.

The parents accept their responsibility for getting the kids up early enough to give them time to get dressed and have breakfast.

Getting to school on time teaches the entire family to accept responsibility, but especially those two little guys. If they had been allowed to "get by" with being late and showing irresponsible behavior, a negative pattern might have been established. The teacher who reported them, the parent who accepted the responsibility, and the two boys are all going to be winners. That's a winning approach to life.

being punished isn't

enjoyable while it is

happening--it hurts!

But afterwards we can see

the result, a quiet growth

in grace and character.

Hebrews 12:11 TLB