I Like My Kids!

I absolutely love my children. Most parents would say the same about their own offspring.

But my feelings toward my sons extend past merely loving them; I also like them! I wonder if as many parents would agree with me in this respect.

From time to time, I receive comments from others expressing surprise at the fact that I actually enjoy my children, that my daily life with the kids at home is not just about surviving, but rather about thriving in an environment where we genuinely like being together.

Of course, on any given day, you could walk into my home and all those observations about how much I enjoy my boys could be abolished. You see, our life is not perfect – far from it, in fact. The boys misbehave or argue, and I respond impatiently or angrily. Our actions and reactions are not always what they should be.

Other times, I am simply tired from the pressures of raising little men to be Christ-followers, and I long to escape to a cabin in the mountains with my Bible, a stack of novels, and my favorite Meg Ryan movies.

Despite the occasional waywardness or longings, I can sincerely and unhesitatingly say I like my kids! And while I consider my own sons to be the best in the world and would not trade them for any child prodigy or athletic superstar – or even for a girl – I do believe there are specific reasons I enjoy them.

At the top of the list is discipline.

When Brandon was really little, my reason for disciplining was merely because that is what parents are supposed to do. I feel incredibly blessed to have grown-up in a home with a dad and mom who took discipline seriously. We knew the rules and the consequences of disobeying them. To continue that pattern with my own offspring was simply natural. (Thanks, Mom and Dad!)

Furthermore, as a Christian mom, I understood that discipline is an assignment God had entrusted to us as parents.

I also recognized early in life that well-behaved children are more pleasurable to be around. Discipline was the answer to keeping others from being annoyed with my kids.

Only in studying God’s Word as a slightly more seasoned parent did I realize that God promises we will enjoy our children if we discipline them. Allusions to this promise are found throughout the Bible, but the most specific verse related to this assurance is found in Proverbs 29:17.

Our goal in disciplining is not having sons that act well in order to avoid punishment or to receive rewards, but rather to have them behave because they want to please us, and ultimately, please God. We strive for this goal by clearly communicating our expectations, correcting misbehavior with appropriate consequences, and maintaining consistency.

I have noticed a pattern that when we fail to communicate and correct with consistency, our pleasure in our sons plummets. Admittedly, the discipline process is not enjoyable, and in fact, often painful not only for our boys, but also for us.

We have found, however, that when we continue to be intentional with disciplining our sons, it is needed less often. With age, our children are becoming more obedient and respectful, and continue to be a genuine delight to us.

“Discipline your son and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.” Proverbs 29:17