September 4
Many parents demand too much submission
from adolescent or grownup children; they put
a certain pressure on them even in trifling
matters, as if they were still small children. They
are intolerant toward them and do not respect
enough the special wishes they might have;
even small, daily wishes are not respected.
These parents correct, punish, and find fault far
too much, censure too strongly for accidents
and carelessness, so that there is never a
friendly conversation and never an atmosphere
of friendliness. Strictness and disapproval are
all the young people feel from their parents.
Such parents are constantly after their children
and give them no independence. They do not
show them enough trust and continually accuse
them of lack of love, respect, and obedience. So
the children have no joy in life, and it even
happens that their greatest longing is to get
away from home because their own personality
is unfulfilled. They become depressed and
sulky and seem to lose the respect they owe
their parents.
Children, in short, must honor and respect their
parents; but parents also should gradually learn
to honor and respect their children.
But take note, you children--I have not been
speaking to you. You do not need to hear or see
any of this. If you should ask me, I know what I
will tell you!
Johann Christoph Blumhardt, from
Thoughts about Children.
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A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Blumhardt's prayer for today and every day of the year.
http://blumhardts.com/bl/DailyPrayer.htm?source=Breakfast
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