Parenting Choices

I hear a lot about parenting choices these days.  Usually, this calls to mind the big kahunas, like immunizations, co-sleeping, homeschooling, etc.  None of the parenting books I've read speak much about the choices that have to be made in split second decisions.  With those big choices, you get time to research, to think, to pray, to decide.  In the day to day grind, the luxury of time is not there.  Like when you have to choose between rescuing the dinner burning in the oven, or dealing with the child who just announced they pooped in the bathtub.  It's a split second thing.  (FYI, I chose the bathtub).

When it comes down to the big ones, like the afore mentioned immunizations, etc., I wish people would just leave each other alone.  You do what's best for your family.  Period.  I don't talk about these things, or post articles on facebook, or follow the discussions of people who do.  Ever.  There are too many differing opinions out there, and too many people who feel strongly about their choices.  They feel so strongly, in fact, that they tend to bulldoze those around them with their opinions.  It's exhausting, and unfair.  There is no way to know the decision making process that another person has gone through, and no one should be belittled or harassed because somebody else doesn't agree with their parenting choices.

When it boils down to it, parenting is about love.  If you love your children, then you will make the best possible decisions for them that you are able.  End of story.  If I give my kids a non-organic apple, I don't love them any more or any less than the person who shelled out the extra cash for the organic version.  If I don't give my kids a pacifier, I don't love them any more or any less than the person who does.  If we parent with love, then we are doing a good job.

Besides, the most important thing of all is our accountability to God.  When I am standing before Christ at His Judgement Seat, I am willing to bet everything I am that the questions He will be asking won't have anything to do with whether or not I co-slept, or home schooled, or immunized, or breast fed.  His question will be: Did you love the children I gave you?  Did you care for them with every ounce of your being, did you nurture them, did you raise them to love Me, did you lay down your life for them?

Friends, nothing else really matters.  So instead of entering into debates, or arguing, or trying to convince each other of the rights or wrongs of any parenting issues, let us simply support each other.  Let us help each other love our children.  Let us hold each others hands through this crazy journey we are taking.  Let us love our kids, and simply love each other.

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