Yesterday, we ate out with dear friends; our topic of conversation went from discussing God, educating today’s children, to parenting. I became aware of a new type of parenting style called helicopter parents or hovering parents. I went home pondering the implications of this new style, though I am convinced that it has been around for years! I just never heard of it until last night.
I have been on all sides of the parenting spectrum, raising three children beyond high school, and I have also learned that each child needs different things. It’s hard to know which child needs what and when. No one is given a parent manual when they give birth. Sure there are books that can be read, there are parenting programs like 3-2-1 (more of a discipline method), and then there are the ones you observe watching your own parents and friends. I wasn’t satisfied. So, I went to the word to consider if the hovering parent is a love principle after all!
Thus, we can look to 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 for answers. It says that “4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (New International Version 1984, ©1984).
A hovering parent is one who watches out for their children. They are patient to see them grow. They give unselfishly and keep no record of wrongs. This can be a hard one to swallow. But the Bible tells us to forgive seventy-times-seven! I am not saying that boundaries are out the window, but a hovering parent knows and trusts God. They believe that they will eventually find their way. The strongest evidence I can find is that love protects. This is the heart of a mother. Hovering parents stay strong because they trust and hope. It means that they will find their way. Yes, I am responsible to train my children up in the Lord. Yes, I need to pray and know when I need to be a helicopter or a drill sergeant.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20corinthians%2013:%204-7&version=NIV1984
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+22:6&version=NIV1984
