"This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you to understand or perform.” Deuteronomy 30:11 NLT
God gives His children boundaries, but they are not rules too difficult for us to keep. I think as parents, who want only the best for our children, that we sometimes set unrealistic expectations for our children. We sometimes forget that they are frail sinners just like us. They are still trying to learn their way in life, just like we are.
We need to set clear and easy to attain guidelines for our children. Children need to know what is expected of them and what the limits are. They will test these, so be prepared for that, and follow through with the consequences that are set in advance, but don’t expect more than you can get.
Recently in a store I heard a mother say to her child who kept asking questions, “If you don’t quit talking I’m going to staple your lips shut!” I bet that would have hurt! I know I was not that mother, and I’m sure she is a very good mother, she just lost her patience. We all do at times. The point I want to make is that it was probably unrealistic to think that she could bring a 3 or 4 year old into a store where they’ve never been and not have them ask a lot of questions. They are learning. They are full of questions. That’s how they are figuring out life.
Think about the expectations you have for your child. Are they reasonable? Can they attain them? They need to know the rules, and there certainly should be some, but they shouldn’t be unattainable.
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I may not see in front of me, But I can see for miles around when I look over my shoulder, and Lord, it`s clear. You`ve brought me here, So faithful every step of the way. What can I do but follow you, For You are the Way, the Truth, the Life, And You`ve promised never to leave me, My Savior, my friend, From beginning to end. 
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