Our family has had a lot of discussion on transparency lately and I’ve come to realize the more our children grow-up, the more transparent we have to be with our kids. They are growing up in this world and hard times will come upon them. I cannot always shelter them while they are at school, at sporting practices, or at a church event. They are coming of age when they will make their own decisions and make their own mistakes.

This is why our being transparent with this next generation is so vital. Many activities are taking up our children’s time and we have to make sure that every interaction we have with them will be worth their time. We have to be real and genuine for them to trust us and desire to have what we have. Likewise, we must admit some of our struggles to them so they will understand what we “have in our lives” is not necessarily normal or positive. One thing my parents always taught me was to learn from others’ mistakes. There was no need for me to make that same mistake. Following in this path, I must admit when I’m struggling in hopes my children, and those other children I interact with, can learn from me.

This idea of transparency might scare you, but there are many layers to being transparent. I don’t have to go into all the details of my struggles each time and with every person. On some days, the simple admittance of “I need prayer, too” can go a long way. It defeats the sneaky enemy of pride in our lives when we can admit to our children and to others we are not super heroes.

What comes easily for you in your transparency with the kids placed in your life?

What is hard about transparency with those younger than you?

© 2013 Susan M. Sims

Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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