Reasons to Obey Mom and Dad

Most parents are older, wiser and have the best interests of the child at heart. They don't wish them any undo pain or harm. In general, most parents truly love their children. They work and center their lives about what is best for the family first and personal needs second.

In general they are the ones who are the biggest support system for a child's life, even if they are not perfect.

Children should obey their parents out of simple respect.

Most parents hope their children won't have to make the same mistakes they did. They hope to impart wisdom and establish rules that will prevent harm. Some times those rules will save the children from themselves. It's hard for a child to fathom that their parents have expert knowledge about so many topics. When they finally mature and reach adulthood they find themselves finally understanding the wisdom of their parent.

Children should obey their parents to avoid harem and heartache.

In some families there are spiritual teachings that give the parents divine rights and responsibilities. In these situations obedience is an eternal principle and part of the purpose of life.

Children should obey their parents because that is what God wishes.

Reality check. Children don't necessarily believe, understand, or obey their parents. It might seem cute when they are two, but what about when they are thirteen? What seems logical as a parent might be world's away from the mind of a child.

Maybe we should give children some other reasons to obey their parents. Some a little more tangible and concrete might add additional and less philosophical reasons.

~Children should obey their parents because they have to clean up their own messes.

~Children should obey their parents because they hate time out.

~Children should obey their parents because always having to apologize gets old.

~Children should obey their parents because parents have all the power.

~Children should obey their parents because parents can with hold allowance.

~Children should obey their parents because parents buy the food.

~Children should obey their parents because parents make the house payments.

The intention was not to make light of a very important subject, but to point something out as parents deal with defiant children. It really doesn't matter why they are obedient as long as you can reach them. As long as you can keep them safe and relatively happen you are on the right track.

Parenthood is not an easy job. Our desire to save our children from mistakes is noble, but perhaps not in their best interest. Allowing them to learn and experience consequences is a far more helpful life skill.