The "epidemic" of child abuse has reached alarming proportions. As mentioned in the previous article, different circumstances and attitudes of parents lead to child abuse.
How can parents and other adults cope with the tendency to abuse children? It is one thing to recognize the harmful effects of child abuse. Have you thought about it seriously?
"But I have a bad mood"
This is your problem. What can you do to avoid explosions?
It is important to see anger properly. Of course, you have learned from experience that today's world sees anger and violence as an acceptable way to deal with problems and stress. But did the two world wars and the many other conflicts that arose from that position help?
Anger and violence are not indicators of strength but of weakness. We read: “The fool utters his anger; The sage waits and lets it cool. The Bible illustrates the weakening condition of an angry person: “Like a wounded city without walls, he is a man who cannot control his mood.
How can you better control your mood? An important step is to follow the advice: “Do not be with anyone who is angry; And with a man who has a tantrum, you can not go in because you do not know his customs and you really set a trap for the soul. It should be easy for you to obey, as you will probably be able to choose the people with whom you have regular contact. Finding companies with nice people will help you maintain self-control.
Can you avoid situations where your child is likely to cause problems? How about babysitting when you shop or shop, when other family members can babysit? When children are in a bad mood because they are tired, many demanding parents stop what they are doing and sit with them on a nearby bench or in a structure that they will use. Some words of comfort instead of reasons and the little ones tend to calm down.
Some may think that this is too loving for young people, that they should "know more" instead of causing so much excitement. But children are often completely exhausted after standing for several hours or wasting their energy in some other way. In these cases, the Bible encourages people to listen to complaints and say: “If a man shut his ears to the cry of a helpless person, he himself cries out for help and will not be heard. 21:13
Discipline without "irritation"
Does this mean that corporal punishment, like corporal punishment, is completely irrelevant? Never. Often this type of punishment is necessary. The Bible says: “Do not avoid the discipline of a naked child. If you hit him with your wand, he will not die. You must beat it yourself with the stick to free your soul from the soul Sheol [the grave]. "- Proverbs 23:13, 14.
But corporal punishment is not always necessary; It is also not effective for all children. And did you notice that many parents take corporal punishment to the extreme? They lose patience and inflict wounds that go far beyond what is necessary for correction. Studies have shown that the vast majority of child abusers are overly disciplined parents.
Scripture warns against this. While the apostle Paul encourages parents to bring up their children "in Jehovah's spiritual discipline and regulation," he warns: "Do not irritate your children." Elsewhere, Paul advised: "Parents, do not annoy your children." This would eliminate brutal abuse or other physical torture, as well as harassment of young people, constantly shouting at them, overthrowing them or exposing them to other mental injustices. The Bible describes the pattern of behavior that pleases God as a parent who "likes" little ones and is "nice" to them.
Guidance that really works
Regarding the written word of God, the apostle Paul wrote: “All scriptures are inspired by God and are unnecessary. . . to get it right ”, including damaged parent-child relationships. Let's look at some key principles that improve these relationships.
Those dealing with child abuse say that parental abuse expects a lot more from their children than they can give. The Bible corrects this selfish attitude and says, "I tell you all not to think of yourself more than you need to." Adults will be inclined to follow this advice when they learn the larger Bible truth: "There is no righteous person on earth who continues to do good and not to sin." Everyone is wrong, adults and children; And when you think about it, aren't babies and toddlers less objectionable than the (sometimes claimed) mistakes of adults?
It is true that there are times when children are "spoiled" on purpose and parents are very upset. As mentioned earlier, discipline with the literal "personal" may be necessary. But parents should never lose control when using discipline. You should remember the Bible advice: "Continue to be patient with one another and freely forgive one another", even if someone rightly "has reason to complain about another." - coal. 3:13.
Another barrier to child abuse is the high standards of sexual morality in the Bible. Children whose parents follow the biblical command to “flee fornication” need not fear cruel treatment when visiting “friends” of the father with whom they live. (1 Corinthians 6:18.
The joy of interesting others
The Word of God is especially visible when it comes to helping children who abuse it to develop successful relationships with other adults. One principle that will work for sure is found in Philippians 2: 3, 4: "[Do nothing] out of conflict or selfishness, but with humility, considering that others are superior to you and watch, not in self-interest. others. exactly. Your questions, but also of personal interest to others. ""
But does this make sense? Is it practical to treat others as "superiors" in today's hostile world? Jesus Christ has assured you that not only does this make sense, but it also leads people to act against you in the same selfless way. “Practice the gift and people will give to you,” Jesus said. "Because as you measure, they will measure you back." Why not try to prove to you that the Son of God knew what he was talking about?
