Handle with care!

Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Psalm 127:3

One of my dear friends went back to work this week as her maternity leave finished. It has been a tough week for her, missing her gorgeous 6 month old little boy terribly. Her facebook status on Thursday read “the novelty has worn off and now I just miss my boy!”

The week after next marks more landmark times for us all, as some of your little ones go off to nursery for the first time, others into reception and the rest of you are a year closer to that dreaded time. I remember those days as if they were yesterday, and now in the blink of an eye, I have raced through all those moments and am fast approaching the 'leaving home' stage with my girls!

God gifts us these lovely little souls to look after, in all honesty they are never ours, they belong ultimately and always to Him; and as such it’s a huge responsibility to raise them for Him. The world seems to expect so much of them and so soon. So as the world rushes to take them from us let’s remember:

1. Their hands are small, don’t expect perfection whenever they make a bed, draw a picture, or throw a ball. Slow down so that they can keep up with you.

2. Their eyes have not seen the world as yours have; let them explore it safely; don’t restrict them unnecessarily.

3. Make time for them, housework will always be there; they are only little once.

4. They have feelings too. Treat them as you would like to be treated.

5. They are a gift, treasure them as God intended. Hold them accountable, give them guidelines to live by, discipline them with love.

6. They need encouragement to grow, not empty praise. Go easy, you can correct the things they do without putting them down.

7. Give them the freedom to make decisions, even if they are not always right. Permit them to fall, so they can learn to walk.

8. Don’t do things repeatedly for them; that makes them feel like their efforts do not measure up to your expectations. Please do not compare them with others; they are themselves and can be no one else.

9. Don’t be afraid to leave them with grandparents so that you can have a weekend together. Kids need some times away from parents, just as parents need some time away from children. Besides it shows them that your marriage/relationship is something very special.

10. Take them to God’s house and introduce them to Him, because they will need Him for the rest of their lives.

Never stop praying for your children, giving them to God in that way is claiming God’s plan and promises for their lives.

Lord, thank you for the precious gifts of children that you have given us, remind us that life isn't a matter of milestones, but of moments and help us to savour each one of them. Amen