When the boys were growing up I suddenly became aware all 4 boys were teenagers. Yikes!!! I thought.
These are very important years for young men and women. This is when they begin to really stretch their wings and begin to fly on their own.
There were certainly enough mistakes for a while. My mistakes were for the most part control issues. When it was pointed out that control has to be transferred to the boys at some point and I am there to help make good decisions. Slowly it all became more clear and easier.
There always remained natural or parental suggested consequences for poor decisions. If curfew was missed then loss of driving privileges was enacted. Or if a speeding ticket was received then loss of car was what happened. That only happened one time and it was harder on me than on the teen.
The boy’s father and I were consistent in our application of consequences from the time the boys were little. So they knew when there was a rule broken the punishment would be forth coming.
Finally there were 3 questions that became popular in our discussions with the boys when they would ask to go somewhere to spend their time.
- Is it moral?
- Is it legal?
- Does it hurt anyone?
- Would you want Jesus to find you there, doing that?
The boys now are all grown and on their own. I am proud to say they are great parents and loving spouses. They are of benefit to society. Thanks to the Lord for caring for them all.
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