What your marriage can teach your kids

From the day your baby arrives into this world, you are overwhelmed by the responsibility you now have over this life. You glance at each other with a reassuring look, “We can do this”.

You are right! Together as the mother and father of this child, you can do this.

Being a parent is the most rewarding job in the world but, also the most challenging. As parents, we are not given an instruction booklet on how to be a mother or father. But that doesn’t mean we are without help.

Show your kids what unconditional love looks like

Each of my three boys is different and unique in their own way, but the love I have for them is the same; unconditional – just like our Heavenly Father loves us.

How will our children understand this unconditional love? How will they ever learn of this love? How can we as parents show our children this love?

As Matthew MConaughey said recently, “The best thing you could probably do as a father is make sure they see how much you love their mother”.

How true is this quote? This quote went viral in the media recently, capturing the attention of millions, including me!

Ephesians 5 Verse 25 says, “Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the Church”. Unconditional love in marriage shows itself in a willingness to put our spouse first, and to give ourselves up for their sake. And what a great example this sets for our children!

My hope is that through our example, our children will go on in life to show this same kind of unconditional love and respect to their spouses and children too.

Some practical ways to show unconditional love

Today, more than ever before, children are growing up quickly and searching for independence at an early age. Before you know it, your baby becomes a toddler, starts school, and becomes a teenager … all in the blink of an eye.

Mothers and Fathers, make the most of every day – show and teach your kids unconditional love wherever you can. Don’t get so caught up in your work or the daily chores and tasks that you miss out on important moments to show love. Slow down. The dishes and laundry will always be there, but, those precious years with your children will be gone before you know it.

Mums and dads, remember to set an example in the way you love each other. Show your children what love and respect looks like in marriage. Don’t be so shy in expressing yourself that your children never see you being affectionate.

Our children will always remember the love they witnessed between their parents – and we can only hope and pray that our example will help them show the same love and respect they experienced at home.

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