Called As a Child

Ralph W. Beiting is his book, Called to the Mountains, talks about his early childhood memories. He fondly remembers his large family of aunts and uncles. He also remembers the daily routines that his father and mother established for their own home. It is in this familial context that he says, “In this enormous family I always felt safe, loved and cherished”(page 8).

         

          One of the greatest needs of our day is for children to be in family settings where all three of these gifts are bestowed upon them by parents. When a child grows up in a home where all 3 characteristics are present on a daily basis, then the child grows into a healthy adult.

          Is it important for children to feel safe at home? In view of the formative years that children go through at home, this is an important question. Feeling safe at home entails freedom from all sorts of abuses. This eliminates physical, mental and emotional abuse. It means that parents help eliminate bullying and sibling rivalry, etc. The world is unsafe enough without the home feeling unsafe also. Home is where  children should feel safe to express their fears, doubts, struggles and questions with moms and dads they can trust.

          Is it important for children to feel loved at home? In the context of discipline, day to day activities and interaction with parents this is vital. Child developmental psychologists remind us that children have different developmental needs, and that how those specific needs are addressed contributes to a child’s feeling loved. This becomes the bedrock of their self-esteem.

          Is it important for children to feel cherished at home? What does it mean to “feel cherished at home?” This includes parents helping their children feel special for who they are. Their innate abilities and their very personhood is appreciated. Some children need to hear this verbally. Maybe ALL children do! Words of appreciation and actions of being cherished are stamped forever on pliable hearts.

It seems that when parents provide a family home where the atmosphere is characterized by safety, love and appreciation a child is launched out into the world as a young adult with wings beneath their wings! What are your thoughts?

In Christian love, Curtis