Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor. Proverbs 18:12
In the United States I believe we have a generation of kids growing up who feel entitled. We have not told this generation that they are just "average" and no better than their peers. Instead, as parents we have become so engrossed in our kids lives forcing them to be in honors classes when they don't belong there, awarding trophies to all kids, etc. We are raising a generation who thinks they are better than others - and deserve the rewards in life even though they haven't paid their dues.But, what about teaching them failure or humility? How do we do that if we always get involved? The problem is, if we continue to parent in such a way that never allows our kids to experience disappointments, how will our kids learn to overcome adversity.
We need our kids to make their own choices - good or bad. And then we need to praise when it's deserved and encourage when it's needed! As parents, or individuals even, do we know the difference?
It's a shame because the stats of kids who have addictions is staggering. And as parents, we are not equipped to deal. Or are we? Perhaps we ourselves need to look at the verse. Our kids learn from us - yes? They see how we live and most often mimic what they see. So perhaps it's time for us to put on a layer of humility and allow our failures to be displayed. By exposing our failures, we allow those around us to see what it truly takes to succeed.
I'm not saying go around and announce to the entire world that you have an addiction or are in rehab or whatever. I'm saying allow the true you to come out. When you make a mistake, say it out loud. Apologize to others. Say out loud "I failed because....but looking back I didn't do....in the future I will do ...." We need to model to our kids how to overcome adversity by allowing them to fail and then allowing THEM to come up with a plan of action. Our kids need to develop critical thinking skills to be able to plan.
We don't need another generation of kids graduating crying in the workplace because their boss told them they didn't do a good job. We need a generation to step up and admit they didn't do their best but will make appropriate changes. I know it sounds cruel - but we need our kids to fail!
