Opinion



parenting 750pb

Children – a gift from God   

Linda Nnene shares with us her thoughts about how many children a couple may choose to have.

I was discussing with friends some time ago how we decided the number of children we all have today. It was interesting to find out the whats, whys, when and hows.
 
My guide continues to be the bible, as it is useful for teaching, reprimanding, rectifying and training. However, as couples we must ask each other ‘how many children’ because it is very subjective. Having a baby is a monumental decision and both parents must be in agreement, as each new baby will mean readjustment. I always like to ask ‘how many’ can parents cope with?
 
One factor is age. Yes! It is a big deal as it requires prudence and more than a modicum of common sense. The older we are, childbearing is possible but more difficult. I was young when I had my two and morning sickness was not limited to the morning. It was all day, every day until they were born. I am not a man but from speaking to a doctor (my husband) I am told that the quality of the sperm at age 50/60 is not the same at 20/30.
 
Another factor is money - have you thought about the cost? As parents we had made our minds up that we were going to invest in our children. This includes quality time and their education. Quality time means being present in their lives and building a personal relationship with them which gives that assurance that they are loved and cared for. It also helps with their mental and emotional well-being.
 
Good parenting involves love, calmness, stability, consistency, flexibility and positive impact. I can be fierce, and I have been told that it is one of the characteristics of mothers. I use it when needed with great pride. No parent is perfect and neither are children.
 
Parenting is not easy. It is hard work, but worth every journey, every phase and experience. Parenting is not the role of the church or a faith school. It is down to the parents. Are you ready to train your child intentionally? (2 Timothy 2: 2).
 
My parents had six children, and so did my in-laws. They coped incredibly well. We have two grown up children and I believe we are coping well. How many can you cope with? How well can you parent them?
 
I began by stating my bible is my guide. I will share with you a few of my favourite scriptures on children:
Psalm 127:3-5 states, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed but shall speak with their enemies in the gate (NKJV).”
 
This tells us that God has given them as a gift - having a lot of children to take care of you when you are old is like a combatant with many arrows, and to have children is a temporal blessing and happiness. Therefore, we must train them up appropriately so when they are old, they will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6).
 
I conclude with these reflective statements. How many to have is very subjective – there is no right or wrong answer. We must recognise what our strengths can carry. As parents we must be unified in our leadership. Children indeed are a blessing worth persevering. I love my children unconditionally and they are a blessing because through them the Lord develops faithfulness within me.
 

The image is courtesy of Pexels on pixabay.com

 



Ike and Linda Nnene 640CFDr Ike Nnene and Mrs Linda Nnene live in Norwich and worship at Soul Church.  Ike is a GP and Linda is a teacher at CNS School, and they are both passionate gospel musicians.  They have a passion for and write about marriage, family, wellness and personal empowerment.

Their blog, called Power and Beauty, seeks to promote Bible based living in marriage and family life. You can hear and watch Ike and Linda on their podcast and YouTube channel called Marriage On Song.

Visit-  www.ikeandlinda.org

 




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