Apr 28, 2011
I just learned one of my biggest lesson, so far as a parent onboard a jet ski. Gelo, my 11 year old son was very excited to be able to finally drive the jest ski on his own and I permitted him to do so. To his dismay the dispatcher didn’t let him because of the shear number of jet skis on the bay, so I had to reluctantly join him. But still I let him drive and to my surprise he doesn’t know how. He was just very confident but he really was not equipped yet. I was glad that I was with him. So I gave him crash course on the functions of the different instruments, how to ride the different waves and some safety tips. After 3 rounds in the course he was already riding comfortably. But it was a bit painstaking process on giving him hands on instructions but it was my role to do so.
At times I expect too much from my kids not checking if I have given them enough training or instruction. There are times that I’m more focused on the goal or end result and overlook the process. I’ve learned that as parents we need to make sure that we are always there for our kids; that our instructions are clear and doable; that we should check our expectations; make sure that we give them opportunity to ask questions; that we give them room to make mistakes and finally we have them know and feel that our love for them is that of Christ, unconditional.
Psalms 103:13 ESV As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.
so true! sometimes we expect too much from our kids. great reminders.
Thanks bro! Great insight for me as a professor.