“Parenting with Love, Limits, and Latitude….”

It is so hard for children to understand why there are rules when they are younger.  Something that my mother said to me is that as a parent one of the hardest things you will have to do is tell your children no.  I always wondered that, and to think about it more it's because of the disappointment in the child's eyes.  Now, you think about it.  Think about a child who wants to ride their bike down the street, but gets told no, and runs away without explanation.  This is when the child thinks that the parents are unfair.

As we parent with love, limits, and latitude we will see amazing blessings in our lives.  I know as a parent-to-be in 4 short weeks I will have plenty of practice for this.  Children need to have things explained to them.  They need to know they "why" of situations.  When you are explaining things to them do not do it out of anger or frustration.  The child is already upset enough with being told no.  Let them know you love them as you're explaining to them.  Let them know that in life they need to be protected, and there will be more opportunities ahead.