I Want 'do right' Kids

We are familiar with the saying, 'Spare the rod and spoil the child.' If you think that saying comes from the Holy Bible, you would be correct to a degree. In Proverbs 13:24 it says, "Those who spare the rod from their son hate the son...Those who give punishment to the son love him." After digesting and processing those words, I now think I understand my Dad's bogus rationalization when he said (while spanking my five year old butt), "This hurts me more than you."

I am convinced that many parents today, not only spare the rod but they attempt to shield their kids from any negative consequences. Why else do youth sport-organizers decide NOT to keep contest scores and declare winners? The key word here is 'negative.' It is normal for parents wishing not to witness their children suffering the slightest setback or disappointment. Nevertheless, we should wonder how can we possibly measure the good and enjoyable, if we do not feel the sting of near-miss and loss?

I believe that most parents wish essentially the same things for their children: health, love, success and happiness. Of the aforementioned four desires, a parent can only offer 'parental' unconditional love and I would bet the farm that our kids will be looking for another 'kind' of love, which is on them to FIND. If your kid is going to have good health it is going to be dictated by DNA, personal care and the Grace of God; not any thing parents can insure. Success is difficult to measure; material accumulation is highly pursued by many whom obviously equate 'things' with being successful. Happiness is that 'state' of contentment; inner satisfaction, if you please. Every individual is pretty-much on their own to find these life's anchors. I can give you strong advice in your pursuit of 'happiness;' work at some thing for which you have great passion and serve others during your journey...happiness follows this approach.

Finally, regarding marital success, I will speculate that the youngest child from one family marrying the youngest child from another family will be just a tad bit more successful than two 'only children' marrying! Lot's of 'rod-sparing.'