Do you like your children? My children are pretty much always with me. From the oldest, 15, to the youngest, 2, when I go somewhere, they go somewhere. Obviously there are times when my older children are out doing their own thing, but I have had plenty of opportunities for people to see me with my children in public. And without fail, especially if it’s during school hours, people want to talk about why my children are with me. Which leads me to mention homeschooling, which leads them to making (and saying) wrong assumptions about me and how wonderful I am, which leads them to tell me how they “could never DO THAT” and how “AWFUL” their children are. I’ve heard them talk that way about their teens and about their tots. And without fail, EVERY TIME, it makes me sad. Why is it that people don’t like their children? Why is it that people talk bad about their children to complete strangers? My children are far from perfect, but they are mine. They are a reflection of me and my husband and the way we’ve raised them. They are a testimony to God’s faithfulness and a sign of His blessing.
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the Womb is a reward.” Psalm 127:3
So in a way, if I speak awfully about my children, I am really speaking awfully about myself. I am a strong believer in what we speak “over” our children is what they will become. Like how Adam named Eve and in giving her that name spoke “mother” over all of God’s female creation! That’s why our children have the names they do, because every time we say their name, we are “speaking” their name over them. My oldest daughter’s name means “delightsomeness.” And let me tell you, she is a delight!
When I was a young mom, I was completely scared to have teenagers, from all the stories I’d heard, from all the teens I knew…I thought my own children were destined to be the same way. But you know what? I really like my teens, I really enjoy them, their personalities, their pushing against the fence to see what and who they can be and become. In fact, I was just telling my husband the other day how I actually think they are easier than the younger set! And I’m being totally truthful here. :0)
Our words are powerful. What we speak over our children is what they are going to become. If you are always saying, “You are so naughty!” “You are so dumb!” “You are so disobedient!” “You are so strong-willed” “You have such a poor attention span.” “You are crazy wild!” Don’t be surprised if they become that way. But on the other hand if you speak life: “I am so proud of you when you obey quickly and with joy!” “I love the way you share.” “You are so smart!” “I can’t believe how long you can sit and pay attention!” You will enjoy the fruits of your speech and reap a child that will live up to those good expectations and grow into teens that will surprise the world and give you opportunity to share your faith and beliefs. The world doesn’t expect much from their children, but we can expect all that God expects: obedience, joy and blessing!
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.” Proverbs 31:26
Delight in your children, they are your legacy, a reflection of God’s love, and your most prized possession!