The mind is an amazing thing, especially the mind of a child. It is always absorbing things, much like a sponge. I see daily how quickly my own kids learn, remember and act on things they’ve heard or seen. Of course, some of it is good and some of it not. Their minds are curious and always learning and full of many questions. They want to know about the simple things in life as well as the complex. The ability to learn, think, meditate and ponder truly is a gift God has given each one of us. Like many other things, although these are wonderful and amazing gifts, they have to be nurtured properly.
The other day, I was at my mom’s listening to the children she cares for. I’m amazed by the stuff kids know at such a young age. I’m not talking about great stuff either. How is it that a six year old (or even a three year old) is able to talk about sexuality in such a way that, if left unchallenged, would lead to a serious perversion of something beautiful? In addition, how is the value of living to be understood when gratuitous violence is consistently set before their eyes? It blows my mind and absolutely terrifies me as a mom.
I know as a parent that I can’t and won’t be able to protect my kids from all the dangers in our world, but I’m realizing all the more how much of it there is. It’s a horrible reality that as a mom, I can’t and won’t always be able to protect my kids from a fallen and sometimes very bad world. More than ever, I understand that they do have a real enemy (we all do) and that their minds are his first target. As much as I hate this truth, I know that hopelessness is not going to help my children (or anybody else’s). Turning a blind eye to it is equally tragic. So what can I do?
First, I need to understand that ultimately I cannot protect my children from this (a very hard lesson for a person that struggles with control). So then it’s hopeless right? No it isn’t! Mario and I play a very important part in protecting our children, but only the Creator Himself has the power and ability to protect our children in ways we can’t. He designed and fashioned them and He knows how they work! He is certainly aware of the enemy’s tactics. So for us, surrendering their protection over to Him is of most importance. We are seeing that praying over our kids on a daily basis is necessary.
Secondly, and this is where God holds us responsible for the precious ones He has entrusted us with, we need to be active and aware of what is set before their eyes and what they hear starting right here at home. Again, going back to the sponge analogy, kids absorb! Kids learn so much at home! Home needs to be a place of firm foundation where truth is taught and love is a reality. Our kids will learn much by how Mario and I treat each other, how we treat them and what takes place in our home. This is how a firm foundation is laid. And this is where kids should feel safe, loved and encouraged especially when the world out there tells different.
In a world with ever growing technology there is a battle we face as parents. I am not anti-TV, we actually have four in our home, but I’ve been really convicted lately over the amount my kids watch daily (especially during hot summer months), as well as the fact that even the “age appropriate” programs sometimes teach concepts that are contrary to what is right, sending a mixed message. I need to know what my kids are watching as well as its content. And just a side note, if children are watching programs/movies, listening to music, viewing things via internet or even playing games that are not “age appropriate” and/or are perverted in content, don’t be mistaken, it will effect who they are and most definitely how they view things. These are very real ways a 3 or a 6 year old I mentioned earlier can know too much. For us, our kids are young so TV is my biggest concern as far a technology, but I know that in a very short time the other things I will also need to be cautious with. I don’t think the solution in this day and age would be to rid our home of technology. It is very much apart of our world and we couldn’t escape that. It can be very helpful, as well as enjoyable, but teaching our kids the way to use it is very important.
Thirdly, when our kids are out there (talking about away from home) and we are not always with them, we should know and be aware of what is taking place. How does this happen? Communication with my kids! When Londyn jumps in the car after a day at school, I ask questions. =) She doesn’t always feel up to it, but I still ask them. Not just generic questions, but very specific ones. Who did you play with? What did you play? What did you learn? Oh really, who told you that? What did you do? How did that make you feel? Mario does the same thing; in fact he is the one who taught me how important this is. Allow me just say, it allows our kids to be open and honest, something that is very special to them. It brings me such joy to hear my kids share that they do in fact make good decisions and do some pretty wonderful things even when Daddy and Mommy aren’t there and to know that God is indeed with them even when we aren’t. What a peace!
I hope that a few of the insights I’m learning will be helpful to you. If you are a parent please be fully aware that our children are like sponges and what they soak in will eventually be squeezed out. Whatever your beliefs are, you have to know that although the mind is a wonderful thing, it needs to be protected! It isn’t just an image or a song, it is a concept being learned. If you are not a parent, you have a mind that needs some protecting as well. As I pray for God’s protection over my children, I also pray that for children everywhere and of all ages. I know how real the enemy is and the damage he causes.
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