Isaiah 8:18 - 18Behold, I and the children whom Yahweh has given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from Yahweh of Armies, who dwells in Mount Zion
You may not be able to give your children everything you'd like to, but here are 4 things you owe them:
First, listen to them! One boy said, "I feel like a comma. When I talk to my dad he'll say something. Then when I start to talk again he makes a comma; he doesn't interrupt me, but when I'm finished he starts right in where he left off. It's as if I didn't say anything." You'll never understand your children until you take time and really listen to what they're saying.
Second, believe in them! As a child, the great Caruso was told by a music teacher, "You have no talent at all." Parent, make sure your voice is the loudest. Get there first; build their confidence; give them the faith and self worth required to overcome every obstacle they'll face.
Third, connect with them! Find out what's in their heart. If you try to control them before you connect with them, you'll lose every time. What do you really know about them? Their struggles? Their heroes? Their music? Their friends? Their fears? Their dreams? If your answer is, "not much," start making some changes right away.
Fourth, let them see God in you! Have you heard the story about the 3 kids discussing their dads? One said, "My dad knows the mayor." Another said, "My dad knows the governor." Confidently, the third said, "That's nothing - my dad knows God!" Parent, do you know God? If you don't, commit your life to Him today.