Raising Good Decision Makers

The bible study I'm taking this semester is called the case for kids. I'll be referencing this continuously. I really felt a need to touch on this subject that was mentioned.

How often do you see a 12 year old girl wearing inappropriate clothing, a toddler eating unhealthy foods, or a small child snatching toys from others with no remorse??? I've witnessed this countless times, and many parent are convinced they are exploring their individuality, learning to make there own choices, ext.

What does this look like in our grown up world??? Have you been to a fast food restaurant and witnessed an employee slowly walking around, pants that don't fit, tattoos everywhere, gum smacking, hair all a mess??? What's your first thought when ordering food from that restaurant? I don't know about you, but I instantly think the company doesn't care about it's appearance, therefor the food is probably not well made, and I do not want to invest my money into that company. Same goes for rude employees, dirty locations, the list goes on. Now, what do you think the CEO of these places looks and acts like???

What kind of CEO are you? Do you want others to want to invest in your children??? Do you want them to be good citizens, friends, religious followers??? My kids are sometimes allowed to chose what they want. But, they will always listen to what we want for them. A will play sports through school, not a choice. He will learn an instrument. He will eat healthy foods. He will be kind, have manners, respect his elders, wear pants, and obey us. He's not going to be an 18 year old with no individuality. He will not wonder if he likes green or blue. He will know what he wants to do on Friday nights.

What I'm getting at is it's never helpful to a child to give in to their wants. All it teaches them is that they are in control, and that you will give in to their wants. (I was a child like this, yes, this is what kids feel) What is helpful is making model decisions, giving them good choices to follow, and setting firm roots for them to build on.