How Do I Provide My Children a Secure Home?

Q: I grew up as a “latchkey kid” and with my own children now I want desperately to give them what I didn’t have — a secure home and a stay-at-home mom. My friends tell me I am cheating myself if I do not use my college degree to supplement our family income. Are they right? — C.W.

A: In a complicated society, it is no easy matter to keep the domestic life on an even keel. Gadgets and devices, social media, and entertainment in general, have revolutionized the home — and not always for the good. Families are fragmented. The old-fashioned Sunday afternoon dinners and family time seem to have gone out with the horse and buggy.

Many homes today have become little more than dormitories, where members of the family eat and sleep but otherwise have little communication with each other. The “latchkey kids” are now grown with families of their own and many do not understand the secret of a truly happy home.

Beware of those who say: “Get ahead! Do your own thing. Don’t worry about anyone else — run your own life!” In the process family life disintegrates and children can grow up emotionally scarred and insecure because they have never known the stability of home. The home — which was intended to be the basic unit of our social structure — is under attack at an alarming rate.

God holds each person accountable for their decisions in life. We must not discount the still small voice that speaks to our hearts. The most important thing that parents are commanded to do is to train children in the things of God. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 tells parents to teach the Word of God diligently to your children. This will be great preparation for children as they learn to live in a complicated world.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

(c)2018 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.