madameblogalot

Do all parents feel “blue in the face” at times? I cannot believe how much my kids “forget” or “don’t hear”. Maybe it really is just ineffectual parenting skills. But recently my brother-in-law said something interesting. He said you really cannot convince someone of something, no matter how long you talk. The more I think about that, especially regarding my kids, I am inclined to believe he’s right!

I can lecture and talk and persuade and cajole and beg all day long. But can I ever really convince them of the thing I am talking about? From large things to small, from the virtues of making their bed to making good grades to saving sex until marriage, just how much influence does all my talk and teaching gain in respect to their chosen behaviors?

And if that is the case, why I am wasting my breath? Yes, I believe it’s my responsibility, my obligation to teach them what is right, what I value, what I believe. But in the end it is up to them to choose for themselves and act upon their own choices. So just what is the role of teachers, preachers, parents, mentors?

I am still struggling with that theory. As for now, I see that my kids’ behaviors are their own and they are making their own choices no matter what I teach them. As for me, I guess I will still keep talking until I am blue in the face.