Needy Children!

Babs Bell Hajdusiewcz (pronounced “hi-doo-SHEV-its”), M.S. Ed., is a bestselling author whose publishing credits include more than 100 children’s books, classroom books and materials, and over 400 poems and songs for children, parents, and teachers. To whet your appetite for her creative style, one of Babs’ bestselling picture books is entitled “Don’t Go Out in Your Underwear!” (a collection of 64 kid-selected poems and songs). The following rhyming lines from her prolific pen humorously remind us parenthood comes pre-packaged with pride, pleasure, and peril: "First time parents never miss a single tiny feat. They film it, note it, and shout it in the street — ‘He smiled today! Had four BM’s! He spit up on the cat! He got a tooth! He slept all night — can you          imagine that?!’ But second-timers note the facts and take each one in stride: ‘He learned to take his diaper off — you’d better step aside.’ ” Anyone who has any experience at parenting and / or raising children knows the project is a mixed bag — with potential to bring life’s highest highs but also its lowest lows. But no, friends, a thousand times no! Stepping aside is the one thing parents must not do! Not if they wish to keep from damaging and hurting their children in ways no one else on earth ever could. The best parenting book ever written was authored by the only Perfect Parent who ever lived. I’m talking about that old Book called the Bible, of course. The Book that tells us about the Father in Heaven. This Father (that is, “God our Father” [Ephesians 1:2]), is the Father Jesus taught us is the Father who knows the things you have need of before you ask Him” (Matthew 6:8). Our Heavenly Father recognizes His children have needs. In the last third of Matthew chapter 6, Jesus acknowledged that we all have physical need of food and clothing and shelter. But He also declares that life is about much more than food and clothing (verses 19-21, 24-32). After challenging His disciples to not worry and clamor and chase after these things in the same way the pagans do, He gave this ongoing challenge in verse 33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” The point is we all have needs, from the moment we draw our first breath till the moment we take our last. And while many of them are physical in nature, as creatures made in the image of God, we have spiritual, emotional and intellectual needs as well.

 Every child is born needy! You and I were born that way. The immediate needs are food, water, and shelter. But there are other needs, almost from the moment of birth — things like education, stability, structure and guidance. And, like all of us, they desperately need God (Ephesians 6:4). The process is one of development and takes years of investment from parents (and others). Children need tons of love, affirmation, praise and appreciation. And yes, they need discipline — which might at times      include what Solomon’s Proverbs several times calls a “rod” (that is, a spanking). As much as anything else, discipline involves consistency, that is setting boundaries that are fair and clearly explained and understood, and then enforced by parents who love enough to follow through when rebellion is involved (see Hebrews 12:5-11). Parenting is a big task. Parents, just remember your children ARE needy! They need you to be a parent, protector and provider to meet their many physical, emotional, and spiritual    needs. Parents are the primary players in God’s plan to meet those needs. The task is a demanding but very rewarding one. Your children can’t afford for you to step aside from the job. God bless your efforts.

    Dan Gulley,  Smithville TN