Heart problems often start once the kids are grown. Well here we are in a brand new year with a brand new start. I’ve taken a bit of time out to assess my objectives and I’ve come away with a startling conclusion. I feel like a fraud.

I have to say it. My so-called advice and wisdom on child discipline comes with more than a little regret. My own Son, who is now 28, alternately seeks my advice and counsel or holds me in contempt. I’ve had to take the time to sort this out. Here it is:

For those of you who have minors still, just know that when they grow up, they become who THEY are. It will be tempting to blame yourself for their perceived shortcomings. BANISH the thought! For all of the molding and building we do as parents, the fact remains that we are merely the ushers, the conduits of the future as our parents were for us. How deeply do we blame our parents for our shortcomings? How much love for our parents is sacrificed because of our upbringing, THEIR lack of wisdom? In the final analysis, how much of who we are today is really THEIR (our parents’) fault? Do we as adults take responsibility for our lives or do we still, like whiney teenagers, hold our parents in contempt for all that they were able and unable to do for us?

Let’s get over ourselves. Our parents were not perfect nor were theirs. Maturity dictates that we don’t blame the angels for God’s work. The beauty of life is that we are able to expand in ALL directions once we reach adulthood. The trick is getting to adulthood! Some don’t make it. Don’t blame yourself! Let’s love our humanity, our parenting, warts and all. Tote that barge! Lift that bale! Turn that kid’s cell phone off!

Please tell me what you think in the comments below and, if you have not already done so, download a FREE round of service on my Save Your Breath App for Android so that you CAN turn the kid’s phone off remotely if needed! Here’s the link http://bit.ly/y558Et .

Let’s forgo heart problems.