I still remember my teenage days and the chaotic relationship I had with my parents.
I remember thinking that my way of seeing life was correct, and that somehow they did not know what they were talking about.
That they were always wrong.
Now with more maturity, and older, I can only look back and wish I had a better relationship with them during that stage.
It would have saved me a lot of mistakes.
My case is just one of many that show us how the generation gap between parents and children is increasing more and more.
Family relationships continue to become more difficult due to cultural differences and as a product of a divorced worldview.
It is increasingly difficult to understand and appreciate each other between generations.
The relationship between parents and children is however one of the most important in our life.
That is why taking care of it, and developing it in a healthy way, is essential.
Clearly, there is always room for improvement in those relationships.
What does the Bible say about parent/child relationship?
Today, I would like to share with you six Bible tips on how to improve the relationship between parents and children.
To do so, I invite you to read a few short verses from the Bible:
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
| Ephesians 6: 1-4
In this section, the apostle focuses his attention on the relationship between parents and children.
He first reminds the children of the command to honor father and mother, and then the parents not to be harsh with the children.
Children’s responsibilities to parents in the Bible
#1 Recognize your limitations and value your parents’ advice
As young people, it is only natural to want to be independent and make our own decisions.
However, we must be aware that we are very impulsive, and we lack experience.
A combination that can get us in a lot of trouble.
If we recognize that we are fallible, and that our parents love us and want the best for us, then we can appreciate their opinion and advice.
Because they have what we lack.
Maturity and experience.
The apostle asks us children to listen and obey our parents, as their experience and direction helps us navigate life with greater wisdom.
It saves us pain and mistakes.
#2 Recognize your duties towards your parents
In the midst of our conflicts during our youth, it is easy not to consider our parents, their wishes, their feelings, and our duties towards them.
However, we must not forget that they have loved, cared for, and provided for us since our childhood.
In a very precise way, we owe everything that we are to our parents.
For this, and in response to their unconditional love, we owe them respect and consideration.
That is why the apostle Paul reminds us of the command to honor our parents.
If we honor them, if we are grateful and considerate of them, God will honor us with blessings.
How should parents treat their child according to the Bible?
#3 Parents, remember you were young too
As parents, it is easy to forget that we were once young too and not feel empathy for our children or understand the processes they are going through.
I think that in a way, when the apostle Paul is inviting us not to provoke our children to anger, he is calling us to empathy.
Try to remember your youth, this will help you not to take your children’s mistakes personally, and to understand that it is a necessary stage in their life.
It will give you patience, love and hope not to give up on them.
#4 Don’t be uncompromising with your children
While it is true that children owe obedience to their parents, this should not be an excuse to assume an arbitrary and uncompromising attitude towards them.
It is for this reason that the apostle instructs us not to provoke our children to anger.
The obedience that God desires is based on trust and love, not the use of intimidation or force.
That is why, always try to remind your children that your decisions, even if they cannot understand or appreciate them, are based on your love for them and seek their well-being.
Encourage dialogue, and even be open to negotiation.
Do not make decisions or deny their requests without explaining your reasons.
Not only will that build trust and strengthen the relationship, but it will prepare your children for their independent life, and to be good parents.
#5 Teach your children the value of discipline
The apostle invites us to raise our children in discipline.
Often times, this word can be associated with ideas related to the military or harsh treatment.
However, the best way to educate in discipline is consistency.
It is by example.
God expects from us what he himself is willing to do.
If we try to educate our children in discipline, it is a good idea to cultivate it in our own lives.
If our children do not see consistency in us, they will justifiably resist our demands.
Help your children to be obedient, orderly, clean, punctual, respectful, not to shy away from duty, etc.
At the same time, don’t forget to make sure they see it in you.
#6 Don’t stop talking to your children about God
If you yourself have a healthy image of God, as a loving father who wants the best for humanity, and who is constantly inviting us to receive his love, his forgiveness and to seek repentance; so don’t stop talking to those children of yours about the God who loves them.
The apostle urges us to raise our children in instruction from the Lord.
To help them develop the fear of God in their hearts and to help them develop a proper understanding of grace and salvation.
Although in stages it may seem that they don’t care, or they are not interested in God, do not let their attitude discourage you.
Remind them that God loves them and wants to be close to them.
Conclusion
Just as no one is born knowing how to be a father, it is also true that no one is born knowing how to be a son.
If we make God’s love the foundation of our families, with his help, and with humility and patience, we will be able to strengthen our ties in our relationships as parents and as children.
Relationships that help us stay close to God.
What do you think? Let us know if these tips have helped you. Share in the comments.
A hug, God bless you.
