I'm curious about the views of members on this board. In your religion, are there any specifics regarding children? And to muslims (like me) what does Islam say about children growing up? And WHY do they need to grow up? I was holding my son a little while ago because he woke up from sleep crying for me. I was thinking of how my now 3 year old used to want me near her all the time and refused to sleep without me in the room holding her, before her brother was born. Can you tell me why God keeps them this little and cuddly only for a short time? Why can't we have more time with them? I'm a stay at home mom, and I do have that time, but it's so fleeting. What religious verses or sayings can you suggest because as they reach new milestones, my heart breaks but I'm so happy at the same time. My little boy is in the "monkey" phase, where he has started copying everything I or his sister do. He also learned how to climb up on things (more child-proofing). Any advice?
2007-05-02 00:48:25 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
My daughter is 3 and I've already raised her with the knowledge that she must wear appropriate clothing, and the difference between her dress up Princesses and Dora outfits and actual clothing. I'll pick two out of the closet and ask her which one to wear, but sometimes she doesn't like them and chooses a different one but still appropriate. But I'm still sad because they are growing too quickly.
2007-05-02 01:03:53 · update #1
The purpose of parenting is to equip your children for the day when they will leave you and start their own family. They start out totally dependent on you and slowly but surely learn new ways to manage in the world. There are many different stages where they take pride in showing a new level of independence. I remember when my daughter was a todler and one of her favorite phrases was, "MY DO IT MY SELF". The look of pride in her eyes as she put that spoonful of food in her own mouth (and all over her face) was priceless.
One of your roles as a parent is to give your children SAFE opportunities to explore independence. Keeping a close eye on them as they play at the playground with other children and make new friends without your help. Letting them pick out their own clothes to wear. Make something in the kitchen. Each step giving them more and more independence.
As far as what religion says, I think that this is dealt with in the very beginning of Genesis. The story of Adam and Eve can be looked at as a coming of age story. At first, the two are as children - all their needs being met by their adoring parent, God, and no responsibilities of their own.
But they are given the choice to learn of other things (the fruit of the tree of knowledge) and they take that choice. Their step of independence leads to their leaving the protective cocoon of Eden and having to take responsibility for feeding and clothing themselves. Suffering pain and loss. Their parent throws a little bit of a tantrum when they leave, (which is really a selfish thing) but still loves them and continues to look over them and bail them out occasionally when they get into trouble.
Good luck to you.
EDIT: Ok, someone has to email me and tell me why they gave this a thumbs down.
2007-05-02 01:02:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 4⤋
It certainly is a satisfying feeling to be wanted and needed like that, isn't it? They are so adorable as babies, so sweet-smelling (well, most of the time lol) and they look at you with such trust and devotion.
But there is so much more hon, so very much more. It's true that you miss those cuddly days, but I can promise you that your heart will overflow again ... so many days of pride to come!
I can correlate it to the relationship you have with your husband; at first it's all cuddly and full of devotions to each other, then it grows into something so much deeper than the courtship days. And looking back, you don't really want those days again, you now have something that is so much more!
2007-05-02 08:03:43 · answer #2 · answered by arewethereyet 7 · 1⤊ 4⤋
It is sad to see them grow up isn't it?
My daughter will be 15 this October.....
All I can think of is this:
We can't stay as babies forever......we must mature both physically & spiritually in the Lord.
Grow in grace
2007-05-02 07:52:25 · answer #3 · answered by primoa1970 7 · 3⤊ 4⤋
The idea of cuddling your young children is a nice idea, but do you really want to be doing that when they are in there 20 and 30's
2007-05-02 07:52:27 · answer #4 · answered by LadyCatherine 7 · 2⤊ 5⤋
Yes, they grow quickly, but then you get to cuddle the grandchildren.
2007-05-02 08:06:27 · answer #5 · answered by gwhiz1052 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
I love this one
"As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you." - Isaiah 66:13
2007-05-02 08:04:34 · answer #6 · answered by lme 2 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Wow
thats a tough one to answer cause I dont have my own kids
but Id like to say that children, even tho theyre a product of our own love, are not ours to begin with.
this is such a paradox.
your kids are yours but theyre not
Id like you to ponder on this one, and then let destiny take its course.
2007-05-02 07:52:38 · answer #7 · answered by Antares 6 · 1⤊ 6⤋