It's been researched and proven that a child's first five to six years imprint their development and affects the rest of their life. A newborn knows and responds to his mother's face and voice. He needs the security of one primary care-giver.
It frightens me to see so many infants placed in daycare, where they have a variety of "mothers" each day. Who sees that first step or hears that first word? It's usually the busy worker, if they even notice. A child grows and changes so quickly in that first year.
I understand that there some mothers who have no other income, and they must work. My heart goes out to them, but I urge them to find a trusted friend or relative that will be a their substitute. Your baby will learn the values, the words, the personality of their care-giver. Who is the best teacher you can give him?
If you can be stay-at-home-mom, then I applaud you. It's the most important thing you can do right now. But your days is filled with washing clothes, cleaning the bathroom, cooking supper, etc. When do you have time to spend time with your baby? (I miss those middle of the night feedings when I could have my one-on-one time with my newborn.)
You need to focus on your priorities. There are four areas of a child's development: spiritual,emotional, intellectual, and physical. This is the order they should take precedence. Society turns it upside-down, placing the most importance on nutrition and health, then education, then social behavior, and lastly religion and faith...as an afterthought.
Wouldn't you want your child to primarily be right with God? Then, next, wouldn't you want him to be happy and content, then intelligent, and finally have a healthy body? Of course, I'd want my child to have all, but what is most important?
Each area has its valure, but if you must choose how to spend your time, then make it count. Sing songs about Jesus, teach them to obey and love others, be a good example of honesty and faithfulness. Exercise and social activities have their place, but emphasis on the soul and mind is more important. I Samuel 16:7b says, "...man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."
God has used many weak, crippled, sickly people for His glory. This body is only temporary. The mind and soul are eternal. Are you showing your child that God and his ways are the most important things in life? Are you making the most of these first few years with your baby?
4 comments:
I have been so blessed to be able to be a stay-at-home mom. Thank you so much, Vonnie, for the "priority list order" - sometimes it's so easy to focus on the kids' development in the "world's order" - I really need to pay more attention to God's priorities. Thanks for this.
I wish I would have known all I do now when I was raising my kids. It was a very fun time in our lives, though. Now I'm ready for grandkids, I do believe:) Thanks for sharing, Vonnie:)
What an encouraging and valuable post, Vonnie. Such incredible advice, once again.
Your words come right on time, once again. I know I'm called for this season to be at home, but for someone who needs affirmation once in awhile, it's a hard gig! Thanks for reminding me the eternal reasons for obeying that call.
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