I remember that day many years ago… I was making my bed and suddenly compelled to stop and pray for our son, Jason, which was a teen at that time. He was at church youth camp and although I felt he was in good hands, I knew I had to pray. I asked God to protect him if he was in danger and reminded Him that I could not be with our son 24/7 but knew He was. Then I went back to making the bed with peace knowing that God answers prayer.
Jason came home two days later and was telling me all about the good time he had. I noticed he was stiffnecked and was holding his neck at times. I asked him what the problem was and he told me that they were swimming and playing and he almost broke his neck. I cringed at the thought of it and asked when this was. It was the same time I was led to stop and pray for him.
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Matthew 7:7
It is a parent’s responsibility to protect their children physically. I can’t imagine anyone disagreeing with that statement. There are times that we can do that ourselves and then there are times that we pray for God to take over and send angels when needed. I like this featured picture of our son-in-law teaching our grandson self-defense moves. He’s helping to ensure Slater’s safety. We must never shirk our duty to protect either in actions or prayers. We must be sensitive to the voice of God since our kids are depending on this. It is to be taken seriously for sure.
What we need to consider are the many ways that we can protect our kids. You would never allow your baby to stick something in an electrical socket while playing. You would never place them near a busy street and walk away. You would be sure the toddler holds your hands when walking through a parking lot. You would be calling the doctor if they have a raging fever. This is not questionable for sure and most parents are very careful in protecting their offspring. Great job, parent!!
Let’s take this one step farther. Are you aware that 1 out of 4 people will die of cancer? Now that is a staggering thought. We know, unless we live in a commune in the middle of nowhere, that we can’t totally control the air we breathe when we step outside our homes. What we can control is what we use in our home and the food we digest. The older I get the more I realize the power I have over what I eat and the products I use. I encourage you to do some research to see if you can protect your family more at home.
- Check all the labels on your cleaning products. If it has harmful chemicals, then please think twice before using it. There are so many brands now days that are safe to use and still do the job well. It is never worth subjecting our children to bodily harm just to have a clean home.
- Feed your family healthy foods that do not contain harmful ingredients that could lead to health issues or diseases. Our kids will not do this on their own… it’s the parent’s responsibility to be sure they eat what is good for them. Don’t get me wrong, I am not a fanatic and allow my grand kids exceptions now and then, but in your everyday eating, check the ingredients and go natural and organic when at all possible. Your kids will thank you one day when they are old enough to understand how safe their home was growing up.
- Teach them good eating habits. It saddens me when I hear of parents that allow their kids to regularly eat junk food for breakfast because it is easier on Mom or Dad. It is not the CHILD’S responsibility to find healthy foods, but the responsibility of the parents.
Speaking of food… we are doing our kids a huge injustice if we allow them to be overweight. At a very young age, they need to be taught to have good eating habits and to be active so they won’t put on pounds beyond their safe weight. This could not only encourage a healthy eating pattern for their lifetime, but it could also help their social interaction with their peers.
Kids need to eat three basic meals with healthy, planned snacks. They shouldn’t have freedom to the frig or snack drawer whenever.
- Know where your child or teen is AT ALL TIMES and WHO they are with! I can’t stress this enough! Most child sexual abuse comes from someone close to the family. Sad, but true.
A protective parent does not let their child spend the night with anyone unless you are 100% positive that it is a safe zone. A protective parent does not let their child get in the car with just anyone unless you feel confident they are safe drivers. Many parents have had horrible regrets when they “assumed” their child was in good hands.
- Prayer is so important!! If you ask God for advice, He will not ignore you. He will place a caution in your spirit while you’re making decisions of where your child will be and who they will be with. They may be in danger even at school and your sensitivity and prayers could save their lives. Parent… please do not ever let your child walk out the door to school without a prayer covering.
Whatever you have done so far can be changed starting today. It is never too late to make some new house rules to protect your children from future health issues, AND so that they live long and healthy lives.
We are to protect our kids… they are depending on us!
To Do: Take inventory of the food, cleaning products and personal products in your home. Read labels and make some adjustments if you have to. Let’s keep our kids healthy! Also take extra note of who your child spends time with away from you. Be certain they are in a safe environment.
Family Time: Make it a family project to go through your home and remove any toxic chemicals or foods that are unhealthy. Have older kids do some internet research on questionable items. Have them help pick out new healthier, clean options when grocery shopping. This is not only removing harmful things, but teaching them since one day they will be over a household.
Time to Smile: One day a little girl was helping her mother wash dishes when she noticed a couple white hairs in contrast on her brunette head. She looked at her mom and asked, “Why are some of your hairs white, Mommy?” Her mom replied, “Well, every time you do something wrong and make me unhappy, one of my hairs turn white.” The little girl thought about that a minute and then said, “ Mommy, how come ALL of grandma’s hairs are white?”
Recommended Reading: Research and read benefits of natural and organic products for your home, personal items and food you buy for your family. Be certain you are protecting your children from anything that could affect their bodies in a negative manner. You will feel so good that you did this!!
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