It probably won’t go over too well. I haven’t tried this line on my teenagers but Solomon has strong words that apply to parents and teenagers in Proverbs 6:9-11.
As a parent I have wrestled with the tension of nurturing my kids while still giving them appropriate room to gain independence. Growing up in a single parent home I learned at a very young age how to take care of my younger siblings, to do laundry, cook simple meals. Transparently, I lost some of my childhood. When I had kids I wanted to make sure they appropriately enjoyed childhood. Sometimes, I go too far and struggle to let my kids do things for themselves that they are able to do.
I’ve stepped in too quickly to do it for them.
a little folding of the hands to rest,
and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
and want like an armed man.
- stay home alone,
- go to the store and make a purchase by herself
- change his bed sheets
- use the washing machine and dryer
- plan and prepare a meal with several ingredients
- use the oven to broil or bake foods
- read labels
- iron his clothes
- learn to use basic hand tools
- mow the lawn
- look after younger siblings or neighbors
How are you doing at balancing supporting your child with letting them gain independence and life skills?
