I could have done it better!

I remember growing up, my brothers and I were just one year apart and we were masters of getting into trouble. We were rambunctious boys and we feared nothing, except the wrath of our mom. She ruled with an iron fist and the we were no strangers to the belt. Truth be told, I remember going to school, hiding red, swollen welts on the backs of my arms back and legs for infractions I can no longer recall. Like me, my mother had no example for parental discipline, therefore, we both made many mistakes in our parenting. When I became a man, my mother constantly apologized for her "reckless outbreaks and violent beatings." It wasn't long before I saw the same angry outbursts in myself, however, I saw the fear in my precious, delicate daughter's eyes and I made a full 180 degree turn. I committed that I would never strike my kids in anger, and soon thereafter, I would come to the understanding that, any physical punishment was liken to torture. And though I was concerned that they would be unruly if I didn't discipline them, they both turned out to be well balanced, productive human beings, and loving parents. I was raised with the Biblical belief that "the Lord chastens them whom He loves" so I believed that meant that If I loved my children, I was obliged to spank them! After all, didn't the Scripture say, "Do not withhold discipline from your son, if you beat him with a rod he will not die?" I wondered who wrote those words. No matter, I now know that the beatings suggested in the Bible are not always the best way to say, "I love you." And to my now grown daughters, I say, "I love you both with all my heart!" I realize, I made a lot of mistakes, and for that, I am sorry. I know I could have done better I really tried my best. Peace

#paullane