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Real Answers™
jm80
Copyright: ©2008 Jan Merop
520 words

GETTING IN TUNE WITH THE RHYTHM OF PARENTING

By: Jan Merop

All eyes turn toward practiced dance partners.  We watch in wonder how the man and woman anticipate and respond to each other’s moves.  Gliding along as one, their partnership is enhanced by their understanding and interpretation of the music.  They’ve become naturals.

Marriage also has a particular rhythm.  When husband and wife become parents, the rhythm intensifies.  It may seem that the child’s primary function is to interrupt the original dance.  But, that’s not true. 

Rather, the music has changed and challenges them to learn additional steps and understand and interpret the new score.

The rhythm of parenting takes two to tango.  It’s impressive these days to see how many dads are hands-on with their children; feeding, diapering, taking them along on errands and playing on the floor at their level.

Moms get a bit of respite while admiring the growing bond developing between the children and their dad.  But, also, it creates closeness in the marital relationship.  Both are respected in their individual roles while helping one another to “train a child in the way he should go” – as Proverbs 22:6 in the Bible so aptly advises. 

Getting into the rhythm of parenting takes practice, just like dancing does.  As a mom and dad work together to bring about consistency, continuity and contentment, the child responds to the beat of the family’s music.

Consistency’s movements are the foundational steps that all the others are built upon.  These are the values and principles that motivate parents to instill godly character in their children. They see God-honoring values such as honesty, integrity, kindness, compassion and selflessness modeled. 

The result is harmony in the child’s life and in the home.  When both parents devotedly encourage, discipline, teach and commend consistently – godly character emerges.  Consequently, understanding and correct interpretation of the tempo of the home become part of who the child is.

Continuity shows up when both parents have the same logical expectations.  For example, how a child is to behave at the dinner table.  The child knows the consequences of disruptive behavior.

Contentment takes up residence in the heart of a child who is part of this rhythmic life.  He’s not stifled; instead, creativity blossoms.  He’s satisfied within the boundaries set by loving parents who anticipate and respond to each others moves. 

Over the last two years, I’ve watched our youngest son and his wife develop this rhythm in their parenting style.  But, as a military family, that rhythm is interrupted at times. 

So it was doubly important that right from the start they establish unmistakable foundational steps in the rhythm of their home.  Now it’s natural.

During deployments, mom may feel like she’s dancing without a partner.  But – even from a distance – dad will keep up the rhythm supportively.  And, on the home front, like line dancing, extended family will catch the rhythm and get into step so that the child doesn’t miss a beat.

Even in single parent homes, consistency, continuity and contentment are worthy, achievable goals.  And when family and friends step to the music, too, the supportive tempo is felt.

The rhythm of parenting is a joy to behold.

"Real Answers™" furnished courtesy of The Amy Foundation Internet Syndicate. To contact the author or The Amy Foundation, write or E-mail to: P. O. Box 16091, Lansing, MI 48901-6091; amyfoundtn@aol.com

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