Volume 2, Issue 12

January 2001

Page 2

3. How would you allow freedom of choice in decision-making to someone who has depended on you for life itself, particularly when you fear that they are going to make some bad choices and get hurt?
4. What would you do without in order to see that your children had what they needed/wanted; or, where would you get all the money it takes every year to support a family? (What about all those unexpected or unnecessary expenses?)
5. What would be your reaction if your child valued their friends' opinions and ignored yours?
6. What would you do if your child regularly disobeyed you?
7. How would you feel if your child outwardly rejected the things that are most important to you?
It is worth repeating: Your parents were teenagers once. (As hard as that might be to believe!) You have not been a parent . . . yet. Be careful how you treat your parents because, as the old saying goes, "You will pay for your raising!"
--Via Huntingdon Reminder
--Adapted by Len O"Bryant from High School Ministry

Wow, children are expensive! I know because I have four of them. Not long ago, I read of a government study that said it costs a family $160,140.00 to raise a child to the age of 18. And that doesn't even include college! That looks like a lot of money, but when you break it down, it is only a mere $24.44 a day, or a little over a dollar an hour.
Just  a little over $24.00 a day. And what do you get for your $160,140.00?

• Naming rights. First, middle, and last.
  
• Glimpses of God every day.
  
• Giggles under the covers at night.
  
• Daring adventures in your backyard tent.
  
• More love than your heart can hold.
  
• Sticky kisses and bear hugs.
  
• Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds, and the moon.
  
• A hand to hold, usually covered with jam.